Pernod Ricard UK has today pledged its support to bartenders hit by the uncertainty caused by COVID-19, by partnering with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) to offer Level 1 Award in Spirits courses online for free. With all on-trade venues being forced to close their doors, the wine and spirits supplier is keeping morale high by offering bartenders the opportunity to increase their industry knowledge and skills.
2,000 bartenders and hospitality professionals over the age of 18 will be able to sign-up to this programme, which will be run online by WSET and lasts approximately four weeks. The package provided by Pernod Ricard UK also includes a home-delivered selection of eight of its leading spirits including Beefeater, Jameson and Absolut, to be used as tasters throughout the course. Pernod Ricard UK’s Brand Engagement and Advocacy Team (The BEAT) will also be available via their online channels for the duration of the course as additional online support and to run tasting sessions.
Daniel I’Anson, Head of The BEAT at Pernod Ricard UK, comments: "It's a tough time for the industry on both a personal and professional basis, and we know we can't fix the whole issue but we want to do what we can to keep everyone engaged, connected and positive. We are delighted to partner with the WSET on this initiative and look forward to training a record number of new WSET students.”
Liam Scandrett, WSET UK Business Development Manager, adds: “We are committed to supporting the hospitality industry during this very challenging time, and are delighted to partner with Pernod Ricard UK to enable businesses and individuals nationwide to continue with their Learning & Development.”
Each student accepted onto the course will be expected to attend a final exam hosted in either London or Manchester at an appropriate time. Four courses in total will run, with 500 students admitted to each. Successful students will receive a certificate and lapel pin, both of which are recognised across the industry.
To sign-up, please visit www.prukbeat.com and click the 'Let's keep busy' tab to register for a space on one of the four WSET courses on offer. Places will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis.
About Pernod Ricard UK
Pernod Ricard UK is part of Pernod Ricard, number two in wines and spirits with sales of €9,182m in 2018/2019. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008).
Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector, including 19 brands among the top 100 worldwide. Pernod Ricard UK has identified the following key priority brands in the UK market: Absolut, Jameson, Chivas, The Glenlivet, Plymouth Gin, Monkey 47, Lillet, Malibu, Perrier-Jouët, Kahlúa, Beefeater, Campo Viejo, Brancott Estate, Olmeca, Havana Club, Martell, Jacob’s Creek, Lamb’s, Ballantine’s, G.H. Mumm and Wyborowa. Pernod Ricard UK is a member of The Portman Group promoting responsible drinking.
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