The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has confirmed its support for the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) through a Gold level Associate Membership.
As the world’s largest provider of wine and spirits qualifications to the trade and enthusiasts, offering courses through 50 Approved Program Providers across the US, WSET has confirmed its new membership to show its support for the wholesalers who work with WSET to provide education to professionals in the industry.
WSET has seen phenomenal growth in the US market, with last academic year seeing candidate numbers rise to 11,487, up +48% over the previous year. High demand led WSET to name its first-ever dedicated on-territory U.S. team: David Rudman, Director of Business Development USA and Rob McCaughey, Business Development Manager USA – Spirits.
The new team are leading engagement with the industry through strategies such as partnerships and events with organisations like the WSWA to spread wine and spirits education across the country.
WSET’s growth in the US reflects the huge interest in wine and spirit education, particularly from suppliers and distributors who rely on WSET education to help their staff in sales and marketing roles. 3,700 candidates took WSET qualifications through drinks distributor Approved Program Providers last academic year and WSET is on target for double digit growth this year.
WSET joins WSWA’s list of 30 Gold Associate Members including notable industry businesses such as the National Association of Beverage Importers, Inc., Remy Cointreau and William Grant & Sons.
As part of the new partnership, WSET will have a table at WSWA’s “Taste of the Industry” Event at the 75th Annual Convention & Exposition, April 30-May 3, 2018 at Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas.
For further information on the event, visit wswaconvention.org.
