ViniPortugal, the Portuguese Interprofessional Wine Association, was awarded this Thursday, by the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, with the title of Honorary Member of the Order of Entrepreneurial Merit (Class of Agricultural Merit), praising the work the Association has done over its 26 years of life in promoting the image of Portugal as a wine producer par excellence, enhancing the "Wines of Portugal" brand across borders.

The ceremony took place at Palácio de Belém, where the Head of State took the floor and presented the insignia with which he honoured ViniPortugal to its Chairman Frederico Falcão. The awarding of these decorations is an unequivocal sign of the Portuguese State's appreciation and recognition, at the highest level, of ViniPortugal's contribution to Portuguese wines and the winemaking sector.

Commenting on the tribute paid, Frederico Falcão said: "It is a great honour to receive this distinction. For over 25 years, ViniPortugal has worked so that the potential of Portuguese wines is recognised nationally and internationally. The effort has not been in vain and the results are there to see, and this award is proof of that. However, I must also thank the Chairmen who preceded me at ViniPortugal, all those who have worked at ViniPortugal throughout these years, our associates, the CVRs and other entities connected to the wine sector which have made a fundamental contribution to our mission of enhancing the value of Portuguese wines. Without everyone's effort, this would not be possible. Congratulations!".