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WSET AND IWSC ANNOUCE FUTURE 50 AWARDS LIST

(US Winners – Left to Right: Ashtin Berry, Christine Clair, Dan Q Dao, James Forsyth, Jason Barrett, Jennifer Regan-Lefebvre, Julien Camus, Monica Samuels and Nick Korn)

London, England (December 3, 2019- The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) announced the final Future 50 Awards list at the IWSC’s annual Awards Banquet on Wednesday, November 27. The Future 50 is a new initiative created by WSET and IWSC in celebration of their joint 50th birthdays by selecting “50 under 40” future influencers of the global drinks industry.

“The Future 50 offers a genuine reflection of the young talent we have in the wine, spirit and sake categories globally,” says WSET Chief Executive Ian Harris. “The winner’s roles are diverse, and we look forward to seeing them making their mark and shaping the future of our industry.” Click here for the full list of winners (https://www.wsetglobal.com/news-events/the-future-50-awards/).

The Future 50 have been identified as the industry’s up-and-coming talent from all areas of the trade ranging from distiller, viticulturalist, historian and bartender to food and beverage activists, that have made a significant contribution to the industry in the last three years in a variety of areas including career, academics, social responsibility and innovation. There were more than 600 nominations for the first round, a long-list of professionals working as winemakers and distillers, product development, design and distribution, marketing, journalism, hospitality and more.

Selecting the winners was a two-stage vetting process led by an illustrious panel of expert judges from around the world. These include Stephanie Macleod (Master Blender, Dewar’s), Richard Paterson (Master Blender, Whyte & MacKay), Xavier Rousset MS (restaurateur), Joe Fattorini (The Wine Show), Ian Harris (WSET) and Allen Gibbons (IWSC), supported by a global regional advisory panel covering 17 countries.

IWSC Chief Executive in Fine Wines and Spirits, Christelle Guibert, says, “Narrowing down the 600+ nominations we received from around the world was a rigorous and lengthy process, with each candidate showing a wealth of talent and expertise. We are confident that the final 50 showcases the brightest sparks of the wine, spirits and sake industries, and look forward to seeing their careers develop over the coming years.”

Please visit Future 50 (https://www.wsetglobal.com/news-events/the-future-50-awards/) to view details of the Future 50 winners.

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Notes to Editors

About the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)

• Set up in 1969 and celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, WSET is the largest global provider of wine, spirits and sake qualifications.

• WSET offers qualifications across four levels, from one-day beginner courses through to an expert level diploma. Courses are available in more than 15 languages and over 70 countries and are open both to industry professionals and interested enthusiasts.

• WSET is recognized as an awarding organization by Ofqual, the English regulator of qualifications and examinations. All WSET qualifications have a strong reputation worldwide as the industry standard for knowledge.

• In the last academic year (2018/19) over 100,000 candidates sat for a WSET qualification, and since 1969, WSET has awarded nearly one million individuals a WSET qualification.

• For more information, please visit www.WSETglobal.com.

About the International Wine & Spirit Competition
• Now in its 50th year, the IWSC continues to be as relevant today as when the organisation was founded in 1969, playing an integral role in identifying upcoming wines and spirits trends and spotting key newcomers even before they hit the public eye.

• Established in 1969, The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) was the first competition of its kind, set up to seek out, reward and promote the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Now in its 50th year, the IWSC’s relentless pursuit of excellence underpins every aspect of the competition today – allowing it to be recognised internationally as a badge of quality.

• The IWSC is set apart by the formidable reputation of its judging process. Panels are made up of carefully selected industry experts including Master Distillers, Masters of Wine, wine and spirit buyers and sommeliers; WSET qualified educators and respected wine and spirit journalists. Every single wine and spirit is blind tasted and assessed on its own merit within the context of its class.

• Currently receiving entries from over 90 countries, the IWSC is truly international in its reach and recognition. Its global partners work to promote winners to both trade and consumer audiences throughout the year. For more information, please visit www.iwsc.net.

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