The demand for wine and spirits education in Australia is stronger than ever according to new figures from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).
In the year up to 31 July 2018, there was an 18 per cent increase in the number of Australians who took a WSET qualification in wines, spirits or sake over the last academic year, making a total of 3,768 candidates overall for the year. WSET reported a record 94,822 candidates globally over the same timeframe an increase of 11 per cent on last year.
WSET Chief Executive Ian Harris, said: “2017/18 has been another successful year for WSET as we continue to strengthen our offer to maintain our ‘best in class’ reputation. Global demand makes wine education the bread and butter of our business, but it is great to also see growth in spirits qualifications as we prepare for the launch of the first WSET Level Three Award in Spirits next year.”
The strong level of growth means that Australia is now only behind Canada, USA, UK and China as the leading WSET markets. The number one country, China, saw a nine per cent increase with 21,986 candidates taking WSET courses last year.
Earlier this year 16 graduates from Australia were announced as achieving the WSET Diploma with two further Australian WSET candidates, Samuel Winfield and Melissa Mills, also honoured with awards for outstanding results.