September 24, 2024 — After 19 years in the William Reed stable, the baton for the International Wine Challenge is being passed to IWC Events Limited, owned by Chris Ashton.
The deal sees the Challenge being run as a stand-alone business for the first time in its history in a move that sees William Reed changing its business model to focus on its ever evolving ‘The World’s 50 Best’ portfolio which includes The World’s Best Vineyards and most recently The World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection.
Andrew Reed of William Reed commented, “William Reed has updated the Challenge over the years and has always stuck rigorously to the integrity that is behind the scenes and the judging process. We’ve been working relentlessly over the last few years to reinforce its position as the most highly regarded third party wine endorsement scheme in the world and given its PR and social media reach of 1.6bn in 2023 we’ve done a pretty good job! Given Chris’ experience with the IWC which he has been involved with since 2000 I can think of no better guardian of this brilliant event.”
Chris Ashton commented, “This will be my third and final time at the IWC. Initially involved in 2000 with Quest Magazines at Wilmington PLC, then 12 years at William Reed and now I have set up IWC Events Limited to manage it as a stand-alone business for the first time in its history. After working at the IWC for many years, and setting up Wine Logistics 4 years ago, I am absolutely delighted to now be taking it over. We have big plans to develop further on the work William Reed have made and bring in new technology, but still utilising the rigorous two round judging system. Sake will continue with a few new developments for 2025, as I have managed that competition continuously since 2009, so it’s business as usual! Over the next few months, I look forward to reconnecting with the winemakers, distributors and wholesalers, drinks retailers, IWC judges and the all-important IWC Crew and getting ready for the 2025 competition.”
For further information please contact Chris Ashton on info@iwcevents.com
