Marina Alta Business Awards 2026: ALE-HOP Honoured and Dog Therapy Alzheimer's Project Wins Top Prize

XVIII CEDMA Awards — June 4 in Denia

The Cercle Empresarial de la Marina Alta (CEDMA) has announced the winners of its XVIII annual business awards, with the ceremony taking place on June 4, 2026 at the Hotel Denia Marriott. Now in their 18th edition, the awards celebrate excellence across business, sustainability, innovation and social contribution in the Marina Alta region of the Costa Blanca.

Business Trajectory Award: ALE-HOP

The Business Trajectory Award goes to CLAVE Denia, the Marina Alta company behind the ALE-HOP retail chain. The award recognises ALE-HOP's journey from a local business to an international brand with stores across Spain and Europe, while maintaining its roots and connection to the region it was founded in.

Best Final Degree Project: Dog Therapy for Alzheimer's Patients

The Best Final Degree Project prize is awarded to social work student Lady Johana Arenas Gaitan for a project focused on dog-assisted therapy for elderly Alzheimer's patients. The project centres on interaction with trained animals to improve emotional wellbeing, reduce isolation, and encourage communication among dementia patients in the Marina Alta area — a genuinely impactful piece of applied social research.

Sustainability Prize: Bodegas Trenza

Bodegas Trenza takes the Sustainability Prize for its restoration of a historic Benissa estate, combining the preservation of traditional Moscatel vineyards with active environmental care — a project that bridges heritage conservation and modern sustainable wine production.

Innovation Award: Llobell Pesca

The Innovation Award goes to Llobell Pesca, recognised for modernising its fishing operations through digital tools and sustainable fishing practices — helping a traditional local industry adapt and thrive in a changing environment.

Special Award: Cristina Selles

Cristina Selles receives a Special Award for her contribution to the Marina Alta through tourism and gastronomy promotion, closely linked to Denia's UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy status.

This article is based on reporting from Euro Weekly News, published May 9, 2026.