International honours for Tops GM
Raymond Edwards, GM Liquor, for Tops at Spar was inducted into The Keepers of the Quaich as well as the Commanderie Du Bontemps this year. Edwards is only one of about 25 people in South Africa who has earned the title of Keeper and one of just three people in South Africa who has earned such the Commanderie du Bontemps.
Speaking on his achievements Edwards highlights its benefits to the industry. “It's great to be a part of such a fraternity as it allows you to network with those performing similar work around the world. Meeting these people brings about opportunities and we will draw from all such networks to provide the best products and services for our customers.”
The story behind the Keepers
The Keepers of the Quaich is an exclusive Scotch whisky society with a wide international membership. Leading Scotch whisky distillers, to honour those around the world who recognize the nobility of Scotch whisky by working, writing or speaking in its behalf, founded it. The Society meets twice a year, in Scotland, where new Keepers and Masters are inducted.
The Commanderie de Bontemps dates from 1949 and represents winegrowers along the entire left bank of the Garonne River and Gironde Estuary in France. A person is nominated to become a Commandeur d'Honneur if he/she has proved to be a true ambassador of wine in general, whether it is in the field of viticulture, winemaking, wine technology, or wine marketing, and has shown affection for the wines of Bordeaux.