The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) has announced its inaugural Future 50.
The Future 50 is a new initiative created by WSET and IWSC in celebration of their joint 50th birthdays to select 50 under 40 future influencers of the global drinks industry.
The 50 on the final list hail from 14 countries, with roles ranging from distiller to viticulturist and historian to bartender. There are also three winners from Australia in the final list: James Hook and Nick Glaetzer in the wine category and Ryan Hartshorn in the spirits category.
WSET Chief Executive, Ian Harris, said: “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.”
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.
IWSC Chief Executive in Fine Wines and Spirits, Christelle Guibert, said: “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.”
Choosing the winners was done through a two stage vetting process using the knowledge and authority of 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.