PRESS RELEASE
July 2023
SAKE SOMMELIER ASSOCIATION (SSA)

International Sake Competition“SINGAPORE SAKE CHALLENGE 2023”
Sunday 1st October 2023
This year sees the inaugural Singapore Sake Challenge, co-hosted by the Sake Sommelier
Association – the UK based organisation dedicated to the global education and promotion ofSake – and Whistler Wine & Spirits Pte Ltd – the Singapore based company.
Official website: https://singaporesakechallenge.com/

What are Sake Challenges?
Sake Challenges are competitions for sake producers to have their products judged by a localmarket. Our aim with Sake Challenges is to “connect Sake and locals” by focusing on how to pair theflavours with the markets of each region. Utilising the Sake Sommelier Association’s extensive
network of qualified Sake Sommeliers from across the world, local course alumni gather to judge theentered sake. Sake Challenges are a fantastic approach to introduce a new sake to a region or boost
the profile of sake already available.

Background of the Singapore Sake Challenge
Sales of sake in overseas markets are growing dramatically, and sake's popularity continues to rocket
across the world. Singapore's sake market is growing remarkably, with further continued growth
predicted for the future. Singapore is one of Southeast Asia’s most interesting cities, and a globalhub. The Singaporean market truly is the perfect place to introduce new sake or boost yourproduct’s profile even further.
This year’s Singapore Sake Challenge will welcome SSA accredited Sake Sommeliers from acrossSoutheast Asia to achieve a diverse judging panel, and a broader outreach.
＜Judging Criteria＞
Entered Sake will be judged in the following ways:
Part 1：Judging the quality in a blind tasting
Part 2：Judging how entered sake pairs with local foods
Part 3：Judging the design of the bottle
Japan Life
After the diligent judging at the Sake Challenge, a ‘Japan Life’ event will be held to introduce newcustomers directly to sake and Japanese culture. All the sake and products which are entered into
the Singapore Sake Challenge will be showcased, which provides a great opportunity to promote thesake straight o buyers and wholesalers in the local beverage industry. This is an event that welcomesthe general public to become more familiar with and enjoy the sake too! Producers, SakeSommeliers and wholesalers from different platforms can meet and network too.

Contact Information
Sake Sommelier Association/SSA
Yoko Era
Email: pr@sakesommelierassociation.com
SNS: @sakechallenges / @sakesommeliers

About the Sake Sommelier Association (SSA)
As the pioneer of global sake education, the SSA has become a leading authority on spreading knowledge.
Through their innovative Sake Sommelier courses, taught by independent Sake Educators who ably infusecourses with a local touch, the SSA has helped to develop and invigorate the sake market both in Japan andinternationally. The SSA focuses on three key pillars with the goal of spreading sake appreciation andpopularity worldwide:

1.

Sake Sommelier Academy（Education）
The Sake Sommelier Academy offers qualification courses for each level that allow students to acquire
knowledge based on sake tasting and service skills. In particular, the Certified Sake Sommelier®
course, which is aimed at professionals to utilise their traditional sommelier skillset but with sake. A
large number of alumni are active in a wide range of fields, particularly across the service industry andthe sake trading industries, making use of their expertise. Currently our experienced Sake Educators®
are providing our range of Sake Sommelier educational courses across more than 90 regions in 66
countries including Japan.
https://sakesommelieracademy.com/
2.

Sake Challenges
Our international Sake Challenges are dedicated to promoting sake and furthering its global standing.
Giving sake breweries from around the world the opportunity to enter new, specific, markets. Our
Sake Challenges aim to judge sake within a region’s context and culture in mind. Utilising local Sake
Sommeliers, regional food pairings and keeping an eye on how sake fits into their cultures. Local hosts
and SSA HQ hold Sake Challenges in cities around the world.
https://sakechallenges.com/

3.

Sake Sommelier of the YearTo honour the achievements of those who have excelled their passion for sake, the SSA hosts theinternational Sake Sommelier of the Year competition. This began in London in 2012 and seeks out
the best Sake Sommeliers in the world, to honour them for their skills & prestige.
https://www.sakesommelieroftheyear.com/

CONTACT INFORMATION: Sake Sommelier Association (SSA)
Yoko Era Email: pr@sakesommelierassociation.com