A robotic pizza vending machine company has won a national industry award from an Italian food association.

Chichester startup Pizza Rebellion won the business innovation award from the Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Association, facing stiff competition in a shortlist including Ask Italian and Aldi.

In the last 18 months, the company has expanded to seven locations, offering customers handmade craft pizzas cooked to order by clever robotics 24/7.

A spokesman for Pizza Rebellion said: “Other notable winners on the night in different categories included Pizza Express and Tesco, so it’s really a case of David toppling Goliath. We beat all the big players with their big teams and budgets to scoop the award.

“To win this award from our peers gives us great pride in the recognition of our achievements to date and confidence for our next phase and the future of Pizza Rebellion.”

The Argus: Pizza Rebellion say their vending machines offer a 'tastier, healthier and cooler' alternative to other pizza chainsPizza Rebellion say their vending machines offer a 'tastier, healthier and cooler' alternative to other pizza chains (Image: Pizza Rebellion)

The vending machines, unique in the UK, promise pizza that is “far tastier, healthier, more original, cheaper, cooler and convenient than any other pizza chain”, being cooked and delivered to hungry customers in under four minutes.

Five of the vending machines are located in Sussex, with two at Brighton Station, one in Chichester Road in Bognor, one at Chichester train station and one in Brighton Road in Worthing.