More than a quarter of beer sommeliers are women
The number of female beer sommeliers has grown, with more than 25% of accredited beer sommeliers now being women. Could the sector be showing signs of diversifying? db finds out.
The change to the guild’s cross-section of numbers arrive as five more women officially earned their beer sommelier accreditation this month, marking 63 out of a total of 237. Each of the new sommeliers will be joining the ranks of the industry’s most knowledgeable and influential professionals.
Perspective
The newly accredited beer sommeliers represent a dynamic cross-section of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
The newest five include: Louise Watson: customer contact manager at Thwaites Brewery in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire; Emma Moore: an independent beer and wine educator from Goole, East Yorkshire; Gina Fletcher: national account manager at Hogs Back Brewery in Surrey; Eva Rainey: A brewer, educator and beer judge from Glasgow and Laura Plum: marketing and communications director at St Austell Brewery in Cornwall.
Partner Content
Inclusivity
Speaking to the drinks business, beer sommelier Annabel Smith said: “Educating people about beer has long been overlooked in favour of wine knowledge. Beer has a wide breadth of styles, aromas and flavours and beer sommeliers have the skills to advise consumers on a style to suit their palate. Female beer sommeliers bring diverse perspectives making beer culture more accessible, innovative, and inclusive.”
The Guild of Beer Sommeliers chief examiner Alex Barlow added: “As the beer market continues to evolve globally, the role of certified beer sommeliers becomes increasingly vital in educating consumers and enhancing experiences”.
The beer sommelier programme exists to open doors to opportunities across the brewing industry, beer education, and hospitality sectors.
Related news
