IWSC launches English wine trophy

The International Wine & Spirit Competition has teamed up with wine trade charity The Benevolent to introduce a trophy for the English Wine Producer of the Year.

(left to right) David Cox of The Benevolent with Julia Trustram Eve of English Wine Producers and Ewan Lacey of the IWSC

The annual award aims to highlight and recognise the emergence of English wine onto the international stage during the last decade.

Setting out the partnership as part of The Benevolent’s new engagement strategy, chief executive David Cox explained: “English Wines have really captured people’s attention recently and similarly The Benevolent is winning hearts and minds with our new approach to helping those in need in our trade so this is a perfect way to highlight our respective ambitions.”

Ewan Lacey, recently appointed general manager for the IWSC, noted the Competition’s work in “recognising excellence in the English winemaking industry since 1975” as he commented: “This coming together is apt with The Benevolent raising awareness of the great work that they do at a time when interest in English wine is probably at an all-time high.”

The new trophy was also welcomed by English Wine Producers, whose marketing director Julia Trustram Eve remarked: “We are truly delighted that The Benevolent is supporting this trophy. As a vital and increasingly prominent part of the UK wine trade it is important that English Wine Producers forge closer bonds with their trade charity.

“This trophy is unique in that it not only celebrates the best and brightest of English Wine but also highlights English Wine Producers’ innate connection to the wider UK drinks industry community.”

The inaugural trophy will be presented by Cox at this year’s IWSC Awards Banquet, which takes place on 13 November at the Guildhall in London.