Demand for wine education rises

Demand has risen for wine education in key markets including China, the UK and North America, the WSET has reported, after seeing the number of candidates rise for the 14th consecutive year.

The education charity for the wine and spirit industry reported a 17% increase in the number of students taking its exams in the last year, up to more than 72k.

The biggest boost has come from candidates in mainline China, whose number rose 39% to 9,079 – meaning the country now accounts for around 12.5% of WSET’s intake, up from 5.9% last year, overtaking the USA to become its second largest market behind the UK, which accounts for around 23.6% of all WSET candidates. There was growth in the UK, which rose 14% to more than 17,077 candidates, it said.

Canada and the USA, now in third and fourth share, respectively, saw 15% more students than last year.

It also reported Qatar and the UAE enter the top ten market countries, in sixth and tenth place respectively, with other key markets including Hong Kong in fifth place, Taiwan, Australian, and France.

The total number of approved course providers for the year reached 678, with the WSET increasing its reach to 73 countries, after establishing courses in Bulgaria, Serbia, Peru, Israel and Latvia.

Chief executive Ian Harris said the strong growth was testament to the “outstanding” efforts of its staff, course providers and educators across the world.

“The wine and spirits industry continues to be a dynamic sector and we are committed to supporting its ongoing success through quality, fit-for-purpose education and training,” he said.

In October, the organisation unveiled new branding followed by an updated website in May and changes to its Alumni board, and has just rolled out new courses for the academic year, including a new WSET Level 1 in Sake, a “substantial” overhaul of its Level 3 Award in Wines to make it more dynamic, and a WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits.

Director of education Karen Douglas said the continual development and improvement of its qualifications and teaching materials was “imperative”in ensuring students receive best-in-class education.  “These updates are a reflection of this ongoing commitment,” she said.