The territorial delegate for Employment, Business, and Self-Employment, Amós García Hueso, praised CASI's work, highlighting its leadership in tomato production and commercialization across Europe and the world. García Hueso emphasized that the cooperative embodies the values of competitiveness, sustainability, and excellence that have established Almería's agriculture as an international benchmark, also underscoring its commitment to cooperativism, job creation, and the economic and social development of the province.
The resolution of these awards, which include a monetary prize of 4,800 euros, a trophy, and a diploma, was published in the Official Gazette of the Junta de Andalucía (BOJA). CASI, founded in 1944 in Almería, integrates over 1,700 producers and approximately 2,300 hectares of cultivation, with an average annual workforce of 1,205 people and exports to more than 25 countries.
In the same category for companies with up to ten employees, Neman Europe, S.L. (Masaltos.com), specializing in footwear with lifts, was recognized. It operates online and exports 95% of its sales through the internet to over 120 countries.
The Award for Good Labor Practice went to Productos de Almadraba, S.L. (Gadira and El Rey de Oros) from Barbate (Cádiz), for its work model focused on continuous training and process improvement.
The Association of Merchants of the Center of Jerez (ACOGE) received an award in the Open Commercial Centers category for its adaptation and innovation in a dynamic environment. Similarly, the Association of Open Commercial Centers of Priego de Córdoba (ACCA) received the award for business cooperation, representing 211 sector companies.
The Benalmádena City Council was honored for its policies promoting local commerce, notably its Strategic Plan for Commerce and Crafts 2023-2027 and its collaboration with business associations. Finally, a special mention was awarded to Pepe Pinreles, S.L. for its creative proposal in themed socks.
