Bos bos

Bosman Family Vineyards was recognised for their ethical business practices emerging as winners of the coveted ‘Ethical Company of the year’ award at the Drinks Business Green Awards in London on Monday, the 14th of November 2016.

The Ethical Award is awarded to “a company or product whose foundations are firmly based in, and dedicated to, the community and/or environment where they are based” and Bosman Family Vineyards is honoured and proud to be accredited an award in this category.

“It is an honour and big motivation to build on our vision, by improving quality of life for everyone involved with our farming practices,” says managing director, Petrus Bosman. “We have tremendous appreciation for our customers, such as Sainsbury, Coop, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and the new Bosman UK that have supported us over the years to make dreams come alive’.

With an ownership of a full 26% of the entire business, a solid skills transfer system and numerous social projects, the workers are invested in every aspect of Bosman Family Vineyards. This inclusive ownership model hails as one of the most progressive in the industry and is the largest land reform transaction to date in the South African wine industry.

In addition to an inclusive business model, the Fairtrade Premium Committee of Bosman Family Vineyards prioritizes education, safe transport and housing in order to improve the living standard of everyone involved in the company.

Their commitment to social responsibility is matched by the Bosman family’s principled approach to environmentally sustainable viticulture across its 500 hectares of nursery land and vineyards. The farm has invested heavily in renewable energy through solar- and hydro-power projects to reduce its cost of energy and carbon footprint. Wastewater from the cellar is filtered through an innovative eco-friendly wetland system, while the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in the vineyards is kept to a minimum.

“Our goal is to grow as the leading supplier of responsibly produced wine in South Africa,” explains Bosman. “I congratulate Spier for being shortlisted globally with us, together with other international companies. I am proud of the manner in which our industry connects people with nature. It is when you connect with people that you connect with the soul. And when you connect with the soul, you start connecting with the true terroir of that region.”