29 November 2019, London, UK – 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 last night. The Future 50 is a new initiative created by WSET and IWSC in celebration of their joint 50th birthdays to select 50 under 40 future influencers of the global drinks industry.
The final list is an exciting collection of the brightest talent from around the globe covering fourteen countries and roles as diverse as distiller, viticulturalist, historian, bartender and food and beverage activist. You can find a full list of winners attached and at Future 50 2019. There are nine winners from the US in the final list: Christine Clair, James Forsyth, Jennifer Regan-Lefebvre and Julien Camus in the wine category; Ashtin Berry, Dan Q. Dao, Jason Barrett and Nick Korn in the spirits category; and Monica Samuels in the sake category.
The Future 50 have been identified as the wine, spirit and sake industry’s up-and-coming talent from all areas of the trade who have made a significant contribution to the industry in the last three years in a range of areas including, career, academia, social responsibility and innovation. Choosing the winners was an exhaustive two stage vetting process using the knowledge and authority of 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.
There were more than 600 nominations for the first round, a long list of professionals working as winemakers and distillers, in product development, design and distribution, marketing, journalism, hospitality and everything in between. This longlist was whittled down to 200 in the second round, then to a final shortlist of 82 names.
WSET Chief Executive, Ian Harris, says, “We are delighted with the final Future 50 list. It offers a genuine reflection of the young talent we have in the wine, spirit and sake categories globally. Each of the winners should be very proud their achievement. We look forward to seeing them making their mark and shaping the future of our industry.”
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 2019 to view details of the Future 50 winners.
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 recognised as an awarding organisation 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.
