International Gold Star Award

Mr. Jose E. Prieto, President of Business Initiative Directions (BID) and

Willem. Engelbrecht, Managing Director of The Big Five Rooibos Company in Geneva.

For immeasurable contribution to the business world, for high standing and professionalism demonstrated by prestigious performance, B.I.D. Business Initiative Directions presents its special recognition award Gold Star for Quality.

The Big Five Rooibos Company receive International Gold Star Award for Quality in Geneva, Switzerland.

Mr. Jose E Prieto, president of Business Initiative Directions (BID), presented the prestigious gold award and Total Quality Management (TQM) model to Willem Engelbrecht, managing director of The Big Five Rooibos Company. Business leaders from 81 countries worldwide and representatives of the Swiss diplomatic corps attended the 25^th International Star Award Convention and awards ceremony in the Swiss capital.

Commenting on The Big Five Company’s achievement, BID President Jose E Prieto said: “The Big Five Rooibos Company has set a true example of commitment to technology and innovation, and serves as a model for other companies in its field.”

From its headquarters in Madrid, Spain, BID continually assesses companies’ commitment to customer satisfaction, communication and leadership; planning and decision-making excellence; development of human resources and training; and management and production systems in some 159 member countries around the world.

Since the inception of the awards in 1975, BID has presented the coveted International Star Award for Quality to, among others, Coca Cola, British American Tobacco, Sheraton Hotels, Getty Oil Co and K-Mart.