Werner Bieri, left, former chief executive officer of Buhler Quality Yarns, was named Supima “Man of the Year” at the organization’s 59th annual meeting in Coalinga, Calif.

The honor came as a surprise to Bieri, who said it was a particular honor because Supima has only bestowed the title on six other textile executives in the organization’s history.

Bieri is pictured with Supima President Jesse Curlee. Supima was founded in 1954 to promote the use of American Pima cotton.

The name Supima—an abbreviation for Superior Pima—is a licensed trademark, used by more than 300 mills, textile and clothing makers, and retailers who are certified to be using Supima cotton supplied by about 500 growers in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.