The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), founded in 1969, has become the global leader in drinks education, offering courses across four levels in over 70 countries and 15 languages. Over 1.5 million people have earned WSET qualifications, which are recognized as the industry benchmark for expertise in wine, spirits, and sake. Celebrating its 55th anniversary in 2024 with impressive growth in student enrollment, over the last academic year, WSET experienced a 15% rise in candidates for its prestigious Level 4 Diploma in Wines course, signalling growing global interest in wine education and expertise.

In total, 134,000 candidates took a WSET qualification in 2023-24, making it the second-highest annual figure in the organisation’s history. Among these, 1,962 students from 19 countries sat for the Diploma exam, with the UK, USA, Hong Kong, Japan, and Mainland China emerging as the top markets.

WSET CEO Michelle Brampton shared her pride in the organisation’s achievements amidst industry challenges, stating, “There’s clearly growing demand for this prestigious qualification, both within the drinks industry and among wine enthusiasts.” The anniversary celebrations culminated with a special dinner at Vintners' Hall in London, hosted by the Vintners’ Company on Thursday, 19 September, as WSET reflected on five decades of shaping drinks education worldwide.

WSET’s achievements over the past year extend beyond the growth in Diploma candidates. Launching several new initiatives over the past year, WSET introduced its first beer qualifications in a decade, with Level 1 and 2 Awards in Beer now available in 21 countries. In April 2024, the organisation launched a new Level 2 Award in Sake, which built upon its Level 1 course, completing its comprehensive suite of sake qualifications. This further establishes WSET as a pioneer in drinks education, catering to a broader range of learners and enthusiasts. Another key development was the modernisation of WSET's exam processing system, leading to faster results for candidates at the Level 1 and 2 Awards. This major improvement enhances the overall student experience and helps professionals and enthusiasts alike progress more efficiently through their studies.

Image Credits: WSET

WSET has also made significant strides in promoting inclusivity and diversity within the drinks industry. Through its Partnership Programme, the organisation supported 17 projects across 11 countries, making education more accessible to over 500 people from underrepresented communities or facing financial hardship. Additionally, WSET has partnered with The Drinks Trust and the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) to launch the Drinks United initiative. This program aims to foster an inclusive, equitable, and safe UK drinks industry, particularly for women, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and supported.

As WSET reflects on 55 years of shaping the future of drinks education, the organisation is committed to evolving with the industry's needs. With strategic partnerships, innovative course offerings, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, WSET continues to set the global standard for drinks knowledge and expertise.

Header image sourced from WSET.

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