The award recognises consistent sourcing, use and promotion of Welsh food and drink products over a period of time.

Capital Cuisine is an artisan food producer, manufacturing bespoke, restaurant quality products, whilst also catering for high profile events with contemporary menus using locally sourced, ethical produce. The company employs 12 staff which increases to around 50 for major events.

Gray said: “I was shocked and humbled to be given the honour. Sourcing, using and promoting quality Welsh food and drink products is something that I have done naturally within my business since our first event, Hay Festival, in 2003.

“We have been proud to carry the torch ever since and it’s really nice to be recognised. However, we never buy Welsh products just for the sake of it; we utilise the best products as close to our business that we can find. Standards are improving continuously and new product innovation is remarkable, borne out by the phenomenal number of Great Taste awards achieved by Welsh producers.”

Gray is vice president of the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW), which he helped to found 28 years ago, and represented Culinary Team Wales as a pastry chef for nine years until he retired from competition in 2003 as vice-captain.

Arwyn Watkins, OBE, CAW president, who presented the award, added: “Colin has flown the flag for Wales at some of our country’s most prestigious events, from the Hay Festival, the National Eisteddfod and the Royal Welsh Show, for many years.

“Hopefully the award will be a welcome boost after a challenging two years, with events cancelled, as he continues to move on with his business which has continued to develop, take different directions and expand.”