Hans Schröder of Stark-Conde Wines in Stellenbosch has been awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation by the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Shigeyuki Hiroki. The Foreign Minister's Commendations awards individuals and groups in international fields for their contribution to the promotion of friendships between Japan and other countries.
Schröder lived in Japan for 25 years and worked for corporations seeking to establish operations in Japan. Schröder decided to return home after the end of Apartheid and purchased Oude Nektar Farm in Jonkershoek Valley (home of Stark-Condé Wines) where he and his wife host visitors from Japan on a regular basis. They travel to Japan several times a year to promote South African wines.
