Global WSET candidate numbers up 17%

The number of candidates undertaking Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualifications rose 17% in the last academic year, marking 14 consecutive years of growth.

Ian Harris praised staff, course providers and educators for this year’s “strong results”

A total of 72,171 WSET exams were taken globally in the academic year finishing July 31 2016, up from 61,452 the previous year.

The UK remained the WSET’s number one market, with candidate numbers growing 14% to 17,077.

Mainland China overtook the US as the second largest WSET market after growing 38% to 9,079 candidates.

Qatar and United Arab Emirates were seen to enter the top 10 markets, coming in sixth and 10th respectively.

Chief executive Ian Harris said:”Another year of strong growth is testament to the outstanding efforts of our staff, course providers and educators the world over. 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.”

The WSET’s global network also expanded to include Bulgaria, Serbia, Peru, Israel and Latvia, bringing the total number of countries offering the course to 73.

This new academic year, commencing August 2016, welcomes he introduction of the new WSET Level 1 Award in Sake, and  reworking of the WSET Level 3 Award in Wine and the WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits.

Karen Douglas, WSET Director of Education, said: “Continual development and improvement of our qualifications and teaching materials is imperative in ensuring students receive best-in-class education. These updates are a reflection of this ongoing commitment.”