NEW YORK, Dec. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Rabobank announced today that Jackson Family Wines was named winner of the 2015 Rabobank Leadership & Excellence Award. The global winemaker was recognized at the annual Rabobank Client Appreciation Events held at The Plaza Hotel in New York City for its leadership in the food and agribusiness (F&A) industry.
The Rabobank Award for Leadership & Excellence is Rabobank's annual marquee award to recognize a true leader in the F&A industry that has embodied the spirit of innovation and business sustainability as well as having a visible impact within the industry across a wide range of activities.
"We are thrilled to win Rabobank's Leadership & Excellence Award," said Rick Tigner, CEO of Jackson Family Wines. "As a family-owned company, we are acutely aware of the need for leadership to ensure a strong business and industry for future generations. We're committed to a triple-bottom-line approach that encompasses the environmental, social and economic impact of our business, and we hope to continue setting an example for others within the wine industry and beyond."
To be considered for this award, companies participated in a North America-wide, public nomination period to demonstrate leadership in building, rejuvenating, and expanding a business in the food and agribusiness industry, setting a new course for sustainable business growth, and having excellent social commitment and corporate citizenship track records. After being vetted by an independent consultant, the winner was ultimately chosen by an external panel of judges.
"Jackson Family Wines stood out above some truly tremendous companies doing great work throughout North America and around the world with its perennial award-winning wines, impressive track record of expansion and continuous dedication to building conscientious, sustainable business practices," said Rajiv Singh, CEO, Rabobank North America Wholesale. "From its ownership and operation of more than 35 wineries globally to the implementation of its solar energy solutions, this company is setting an important leadership example for others in the food and agribusiness space."
For the first time ever, Rabobank accepted external award nominations from third parties in the Food and Agribusiness industry in 2015. After nominees were vetted by an independent, third-party consultant, a winner was selected by an external panel of judges.
In 2014, WhiteWave Foods Company was given the Rabobank Leadership & Excellence Award for its work providing consumers with the innovative, flavorful and sustainably-sourced and produced products they want and need.
The Leadership & Excellence Award is just one of three awards presented annually at the Rabobank Client Appreciation Events. The Emerging Leader in Innovation Award, awarded to an emerging company finding innovative ways to change the F&A industry, was presented to NuTek Food Science and the Leader in Sustainability Award, awarded to a company making strides in and implementing sustainable practices, was presented to AgroFresh. The awards are an important part of the events that bring leaders in the food, agribusiness and renewable energy space together to discuss topical themes and ideas and to examine market and sector outlooks.
The 2015 events theme of innovation was the focal point of keynote speakers Hal Gregersen, Executive Director of MIT Leadership Center, and Jeremy Bailenson, founding director of Stanford University's Virtual Human Interaction Lab. The events program also included panel discussions and demonstrations from innovative start-up food companies involved in Rabobank's FoodBytes! program.
For coverage of the Rabobank Client Appreciation Events, follow @RaboWholesale on Twitter or view curated content via the hashtag #RaboClientWeek
About Rabobank
Rabobank Group is a global financial services leader providing wholesale and retail banking, leasing, and real estate services in more than 40 countries worldwide. Founded over a century ago, Rabobank today is one of the largest banks in the world, with nearly $1 trillion in assets, and ranks among the 10 safest banks globally. In the Americas, Rabobank is a premier bank to the food, agribusiness and beverage industry, providing sector expertise, strategic counsel and tailored financial solutions to clients across the entire food value chain.
About Jackson Family Wines
Jackson Family Wines (JFW) is a family-owned company that crafts award-winning wines of distinct character and quality. With a focus on sustainable viticulture practices, responsible vineyard and natural resource management and unparalleled winemaking, the family's portfolio is comprised of more than 30 renowned wineries. In addition to their acclaimed Oregon and California producers, the family's collection includes fine wines from France, Chile, Italy, Australia and South Africa. Founded in 1982 by wine pioneer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Jess Jackson, JFW and its wineries are led by chairman & proprietor Barbara Banke and the Jackson family. Learn more online at www.jacksonfamilywines.com.
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SOURCE Rabobank
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