Sam's Club Introduces Second Fair Trade Certified Wine

Solombra Reserva Available in Sam’s Club Locations Nationwide

BENTONVILLE, Ark., March 16, 2009—Sam’s Club continues its commitment to Simple Steps to Saving Green™ and sustainability with the addition of a second Fair Trade Certified™ wine in locations nationwide. Solombra Reserva, produced and bottled by Argentina’s La RioJana Cooperative, is available at Sam’s Club as a, Merlot and Pinot Grigio. Other varietals including a Cabernet Sauvignon are expected to follow. This is the second Fair Trade Certified wine Sam’s Club has introduced and is one of only a handful to receive this status since 2008, the inaugural year of the groundbreaking Fair Trade Wine certification program in the U.S.

Solombra Reserva earns its name from the combination of the Spanish words "Sol" (meaning sun) and "Sombra" (meaning shadow), therefore defining the essential balance of light and darkness. This balance is not only necessary to create its elegant, full-bodied, ripe and aromatic Merlot, while the Pinot Grigio is fresh and light with citrus, apple notes and a lingering finish. The symbolic namesake represents the primary tenants on which Fair Trade is based – the balance of equality, fair prices, direct trade and environmental stewardship through sustainable practices.

“We are excited to be expanding our offering of Fair Trade Certified wines with the introduction of Solombra Reserva,” said Dex McCreary, senior merchandise director, wine and spirits, Sam’s Club. “We believe this wine, a result of collaboration between Sam’s Club and La RioJana, is a stellar representation of the emerging wine region, and Argentina’s overall reputation for world-class wines.”

Workers participating in Fair Trade Certified programs are guaranteed a fair price for their goods based on an analysis of the cost of the living in their area that will allow them to lead their lives with dignity and to fund the development of schools, medical clinics and other basic necessities. This process is administered in the U.S. by TransFair, a non-profit organization.

Solombra Reserva will sell for about $8 a bottle in more than 450 Sam’s Club locations that are authorized to offer wine. TransFair USA, the United States’ sole Fair Trade certifying body, has stated that roughly $2 from the sale of each Solombra case will go towards the Argentina Fair Trade Cooperative fund to support local projects. Currently, through TransFair‘s Fair Trade committed initiative and the Solombra Fair Trade wine offering at Sam’s Club, plans are now underway to build a very much needed full service Medical Center in the Famatina Valley of Argentina between the towns of Chilecito and Timilqui.

Sam’s Club also sells Fair Trade Certified bananas, dried fruit as well as rice in some clubs and roses online. For more information about sustainability at Sam’s Club, visit samsclub.com to learn about waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation and responsible farming.