Joseph Wilhelm, the founder of SEKEMs long-standing German partner company “Rapunzel Naturkost“, had recently been honoured as “Entrepreneur of the Year 2017“. The award was presented for the 21st time by Ernst & Young and is given to the best entrepreneurs in Germany.
The Organic food producer “Rapunzel” impressed the jury mainly by its social commitment. “We have never been guided by one-dimensional economic success. The holistic benefit for everyone involved in the value chain is crucial,” says founder Joseph Wilhelm, who is also a long-time SEKEM friend. The company is convinced that ecological sustainability always needs economic and social sustainability as well. Hence, Rapunzel has specifically designed the “HAND IN HAND” seal, whose guidelines go beyond Organic agriculture to fair trade and the quality of cooperation with the producers. A similar approach that also SEKEM is fostering.
At the award ceremony on November 17 in Berlin, “Rapunzel” was honored as the winner in the category Consumer Goods and Commerce. Since Joseph Wilhelm himself was traveling in India, his son and management assistant Leonhard Wilhelm accepted the award on his father’s behalf.
The SEKEM Initiative primarily supplies “Rapunzel” with sesame and has been part of the HAND IN HAND Fair Trade Program since 2000.
Christine Arlt
SEKEM and Rapunzel
Find out more details about the Entrepreneur of the Year program
Hand in Hand for a Sustainable Community