China has overtaken the US to be the second biggest market for WSET, behind the UK, and the largest growth market, with candidate numbers for 2015/16 up 38% on the previous year.
Ian Harris, WSET chief executive, said: “We have provided WSET qualifications through Providers in Hong Kong since the turn of the millennium, and the expansion into, and across mainland China over the past 10 years has been phenomenal. The decision to open an administrative office in Hong Kong was taken last year, as it will enable us to better serve the community across Asia.
“There is a new wave of younger millennials in China, and across Asia, who are interested in wine and spirits, so we are stepping in to further enhance the service we provide to support our Providers in the region, as well as businesses who will benefit from wine and spirit education and qualifications. This is our first administration office outside the UK, and with the international growth of WSET growing at such a rate fast, I am sure it will not be our last.”