The final Future 50 Awards list 2019 was announced this evening at the IWSC’s annual Awards Banquet. The Future 50 is a new initiative created by WSET and IWSC in celebration of our joint 50th birthdays to select 50 under 40 future influencers of the global drinks industry.
The final list is an exciting collection of the brightest talent from around the globe covering fourteen countries and roles as diverse as distiller, viticulturalist, historian, bartender and food and beverage activist. You can find a full list of winners here: Future 50, 2019.
The Future 50 have been identified as the wine, spirit and sake industry’s up-and-coming talent from all areas of the trade who have made a significant contribution to the industry in the last three years in a range of areas including, career, academia, social responsibility and innovation. Choosing the winners was an exhaustive two stage vetting process using the knowledge and authority of an illustrious panel of expert judges from around the world. These include Stephanie Macleod (Master Blender, Dewar’s), Richard Paterson (Master Blender, Whyte & MacKay), Xavier Rousset MS (restaurateur), Joe Fattorini (The Wine Show), Ian Harris (WSET) and Allen Gibbons (IWSC), supported by a global regional advisory panel covering 17 countries.
There were more than 600 nominations for the first round, a longlist of professionals working as winemakers and distillers, in product development, design and distribution, marketing, journalism, hospitality and everything in between. This longlist was whittled down to 200 in the second round, then to a final shortlist of 82 names.
WSET Chief Executive, Ian Harris, says, "We are delighted with the final Future 50 list. It offers a genuine reflection of the young talent we have in the wine, spirit and sake categories globally. Each of the winners should be very proud their achievement. We look forward to seeing them making their mark and shaping the future of our industry."
IWSC Chief Executive in Fine Wines and Spirits, Christelle Guibert, says, "Narrowing down the 600+ nominations we received from around the world was a rigorous and lengthy process, with each candidate showing a wealth of talent and expertise. We are confident that the final 50 showcases the brightest sparks of the wine, spirits and sake industries, and look forward to seeing their careers develop over the coming years.”
Please visit Future 50 2019 to view details of the winners.
