Caffè Ritazza has won the Bel UK Café Food Award at the Café Society Awards 2011, for its Firecracker Chicken and Chorizo Panini Melt.

The Firecracker panini was created in response to the surge in popularity of spicier food and ethnic cuisine. Following its launch it shot to second in the hot filled breads category within its first four weeks, behind ham and cheese.

“We are absolutely delighted to win this award as it is a testament to our commitment to quality products based on real consumer insights and market data,” commented Sonia Hebrard, Caffè Ritazza brand manager.

“We work hard to attract new customers with our new product development, as well as retaining our loyal regulars and it’s great to be able to create a new classic which appeals to them both.”

The Café Society is a trade body which focuses on the encouragement of the café experience as a way of life in the UK.