New Fair Trade Certified(TM) and Organic Wine Arrives in the U.S.
ROSLYN, N.Y., April 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In recognition of Earth Day 2009, Biagio Cru and Estate Wines today announced the U.S. arrival of Ecologica, one of the first Fair Trade Certified and organic wines to be sold in the nation.
The Ecologica line, produced by Argentina's La Riojana, the world's largest producer of certified organic Fair Trade wines, will include a Torrontes/Chardonnay blend as well as a Syrah/Malbec blend. Both wines will have a suggested retail price of $12.99.
"This is yet another milestone for wine in the United States," said Darren Restivo, marketing director of Biagio Cru and Estate Wines. "Ecologica combines a quality and affordable wine with a social conscience and healthy living. We are proud to be the pioneers in this unique category."
Fair Trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach to alleviating global poverty and encouraging sustainability. The movement advocates the payment of a fair price as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production of a diverse array of goods, including wine.
"The 500 family farmers who make-up the La Riojana cooperative believe it is important to care for the environment, live healthier and also to respect workers and their rights," said Walter Carol, export director for La Riojana. "Ecologica is a wonderful wine and we look forward to sharing all of its virtues with consumers in the U.S."
La Riojana and Biagio Cru and Estate's commitment to Fair Trade demonstrates their tremendous leadership within the wine industry. For every bottle sold, a sales percentage contributes to a social premium fund for the workers.
"The social premium development money empowers communities to build a positive and sustainable social and economic future. It enables the communities and families who work at La Riojana to have access to schools, medical facilities and micro-finance loans for workers to repair and build homes," says Kazuko Golden, Wine Account Manager for TransFair USA.
TransFair USA is the only independent, third-party certifier of Fair Trade Certified products in the United States. TransFair USA audits and certifies transactions between U.S. companies offering Fair Trade Certified products and their international suppliers to guarantee that the farmers and workers producing Fair Trade Certified goods were paid fair prices and wages.
Biagio Cru currently imports other La Riojana wines including the Santa Florentina and Raza lines which have been in the U.S. since 2002, comprising 95 percent of La Riojana's U.S. sales.
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SOURCE Biagio Cru and Estates Wines