WSET celebrates record number of candidates
A record number of candidates completed Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualifications in the last academic year as the course provider continues to grow its global presence.
Chief executive Ian Harris accepted the Queen’s Award for Enterprise on behalf of the WSET earlier this yearOverall candidate numbers increased by 9% to 61,452 in the 2014/15 academic year, marking the 13th year running that the WSET has reported record figures.
UK candidate numbers were up 11% to 15,135, while the US overtook mainland China as the second largest WSET market after growing 26% to 6,779 candidates.
In France, WSET candidates grew 23% to 2,095, and both Canada and Australia also witnessed double-digit growth.
The trust also expanded its international network with the addition of course providers in Lebanon, Belarus, Paraguay, Ukraine, and Ecuador, bringing the number of countries where WSET qualifications are available to 66.
“Another year of strong growth demonstrates the increasing demand for WSET qualifications globally and the numbers are testament to the quality and relevance of WSET courses and qualifications,” said Ian Harris, chief executive of the WSET.
“Our business grows because individuals – as well as the global industry – recognise WSET as the benchmark for wine and spirit knowledge and seek out our programmes.
“It is especially pleasing to see sustained growth in established markets, alongside rapid growth in some of our emerging markets.”
In April this year, the WSET was given a Queen’s Award for Enterprise by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in recognition of the organisation’s international success.
“Having our business recognised with a Queen’s Award only reinforces our position as market leader – a position that we, with the support of our Corporate Patrons and growing network of course providers, are committed to continue building,” Harris added.
