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The Sommelier-Union Deutschland has elected a new executive committee at its annual general meeting. This is stated in a press release. According to Corona's specifications, the event took place in a greatly reduced form in a Cologne hotel and was transmitted online via zoom, so that the association members could also participate in the meeting via the Internet.
President Peer F. Holm was confirmed in his office, new vice-presidents for the next three years are the current world sommelier champion Marc Almert - currently based in Zurich - as well as Christian Frens from Cologne and Philipp Künemund from Munich. Michael Wangler from Aschaffenburg will retain his position as treasurer, Annette Schwarz from Remscheid has been newly appointed to the advisory board.
"We are delighted that our colleagues have placed their trust in us", the old and new president commented on the election results and assured: "We will step on the gas and carefully implement our 3-point plan" This plan, which was presented during the general meeting, comprises the three building blocks communication, cooperation and positioning.
The first point is "to make sommellerie better known in Germany and to emphasize the diversity of the profession", the press release says. To this end, the "Sommelier Trophy" industry competition, which has a high public appeal, is to be expanded.
The second point aims at a more intensive cooperation with associations around the hotel and gastronomy industry and provides for joint action alliances with the Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA), the gastronomy association Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and other interest groups. According to the press release, Sommelier-Union Deutschland has been maintaining a close exchange with the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP) as well as with numerous wine producers for years.
The third point focuses on the expansion of the Sommelier-Union's international network. "With Marc Almert and Peer F. Holm, Germany has two excellently networked ambassadors of enjoyment in the international sommelier world," the press release states. Holm has been a member of the management committee for PR, communication and marketing in the international sommelier association ASI since last year. Almert (pictured above) enjoys special media attention after winning the second German Sommelier World Champion title in 2019 at the age of only 27 years since Markus Del Monego MW won in 1998.