Following a suspension of business on the Chinese Mainland in 2021, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) announced that it would once again be providing courses 18 months on.

WSET was suspended in Mainland China in February last year due to “administrative issues”. At the time, China was one of the three countries with the highest examination participation for course (alongside the UK and USA).

But now, WSET will be operating as an overseas non-government organisation with a Representative Office in Shanghai. Willa Yang has been appointed to the role of chief representative for the organisation’s operations in China.

Yang, celebrating that “the wait is over”, said: “We have over 90 course providers in the Chinese Mainland who are ready to offer WSET qualifications again. Existing students can now complete the courses they started before 29th January 2021 and new students can embark on their WSET journeys. We’re grateful to the administrative authorities in China who have supported us throughout this process.”

Michelle Brampton, formerly of Treasury Wine Estate, replaced Ian Harris as WSET CEO earlier this year. She said: “I am delighted that WSET can now continue its mission in the Chinese Mainland to empower and inspire drinks trade professionals and consumer enthusiasts with renewed energy and focus.”

Brampton continued: “The Chinese Mainland is an important market for WSET and I look forward to us re-establishing an active presence here for the benefit of our existing and future students.”