Panasonic is one of several brands stocked by Regale, which sells professional microwaves, accelerated cooking ovens and associated accessories to customers in the UK, Ireland and overseas.

A delegation from Japan visited Regale’s headquarters in Hampshire to present a plaque marking the achievement, alongside a celebratory bonsai tree to mark the distributor’s 40th anniversary.

Iain Phillips, managing director at Regale, said: “It’s a huge achievement for a small business like us to be recognised in this way by Panasonic and we’re delighted.

“We have a very close and long-standing relationship with Panasonic and because we’re so focused on microwaves, we can offer product knowledge and expertise that goes far beyond any company supplying multiple product categories. That expertise, together with our free next working day delivery promise, is part of the reason we continue to be leaders in this category.”