Asahi UK first to put whole commercial team through WSET beer qualification
More than 80 members of staff in its field sales and technical operations team took the new ‘Level 1 Award in Beer’ course from WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust).
The course that was launched earlier this year, provides both trade professionals and beer enthusiasts with the product knowledge and tasting skills to become more beer-confident.
Available online and in-person, Level 1 covers the foundations of beer production, styles, service, food pairing and tasting and results in a globally recognised qualification.
Understanding of varieties
WSET business development manager for beer Natalya Watson added: “We’re delighted Asahi UK is the first commercial sales force to take our Level 1 beer qualification.
“We’ve had some great feedback from their employees that doing the course has really helped to elevate their understanding of the different varieties and styles available in the broader beer category and, in turn boosted their confidence with sales and customer service.
“Asahi UK has achieved a real first here for the beer sector. We hope that more drinks companies will take advantage of the opportunity to upskill their teams through WSET’s qualifications and enable them to develop the knowledge and skills they need to perform at their best.”
Investment in training
Craig Nelson, director of sales at Asahi UK, which counts Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Asahi Super Dry and Fuller’s London Pride among its beer range, added: “We pride ourselves on delivering an unrivalled consultative customer service to match.
“That means that we equip our team with the knowledge and expertise across commercial, category, technical and operational elements but at the heart of our role is the product itself.
“An excellent understanding of beer is the foundation of our commercial and technical team, so we committed to invest in training through WSET, the global leader in drinks education.
“WSET’s qualifications have a strong reputation worldwide as the industry standard for knowledge, and Asahi UK is thrilled to be the first field sales and technical operations team to help set this new standard in the beer sector.”
