MAJOR WIN FOR LA RIOJANA AT THE CO-OPERATIVE SUPPLIER AWARDS 2014

Argentina's leading Fairtrade wine producer, La Riojana co-operative is toasting great success after receiving a "Highly Commended" award in one of the most highly contested award categories at the prestigious The Co-operative Retail Trading Group (CRTG) Supplier Awards Charity dinner held at the Manchester Central Convention Complex on Thursday 2nd October 2014.

La Riojana was one of over 20 leading companies in the food and drinks industry, including Coca Cola Enterprises and Unilever, to be nominated for the final award of the evening which was given to the best "Own Brand Initiative linked to The Co-operative Group Purpose", in recognition of an own-brand product which best reflects The Co-operative Group's purpose and values.

Whilst the overall winner for this award was The One Brand for The Co-operative Fairbourne Springs own-brand water, La Riojana was given a "Highly Commended" award for this category. This was awarded in recognition of La Riojana's outstanding achievements through the sales of The Co-operative's own-brand Argentine Fairtrade wines, in particular the funding of a new secondary school and the incredible impact it is having on La Riojana's local communities in Argentina.

Ed Robinson, Fairtrade Wine Buyer for The Co-operative commented on the award: "The relationship which has been built up over the years between the Co-operative and La Riojana is tremendous – the perfect marriage of great-quality wines and meaningful, large-scale community projects which really make a positive difference to the lives of the producers involved. The energy and drive that La Riojana has put behind its community projects is astounding and a wonderful example of what can be achieved – this award is richly deserved. Congratulations!"