The London Beer Competition is pleased to announce that Benedict Sedgwick, a respected beer professional from Fuller, Smith & Turner, will join the judging panel for the landmark 10th edition of the competition.

With extensive experience spanning brewery operations, category management, premium pub retailing, and beer education, Benedict brings valuable commercial insight into what makes beers succeed in today's competitive UK hospitality market. Throughout his career at Fuller, he has worked across both operational and commercial roles, developing a deep understanding of beer quality, consumer preferences, premium pub experiences, and successful beer range strategies.

He is also a Certified Beer Sommelier and has completed specialist training in beer judging, beer and food matching, cellar quality, and brewery project management.

As the main beer buyer and Beer Quality & Communications Specialist at Fuller, Smith & Turner, Benedict helps shape the beer selection across the company’s estate of more than 350 historic and contemporary pubs, primarily located across London and Southern England. His role gives him direct insight into the beers that perform in premium hospitality environments, appeal to consumers, and meet the commercial expectations of one of the UK’s leading pub operators. This combination of buying responsibility, beer expertise, and on-trade experience makes his perspective especially valuable to breweries entering the London Beer Competition.

The London Beer Competition is judged differently from traditional beer competitions. Every beer is evaluated on Quality, Value, and Packaging by professionals who buy, sell, merchandise, and recommend beer every day. This ensures that winning beers are not only technically excellent but also commercially relevant and attractive to today's buyers and consumers.

Benedict's experience within one of the UK's most respected brewing and pub companies provides an important perspective on the factors that influence purchasing decisions across premium pubs and hospitality venues. His understanding of both brewing excellence and commercial performance aligns perfectly with the London Beer Competition's mission of recognising beers that can succeed in the marketplace.

As the competition celebrates its landmark 10th edition, the judging panel continues to bring together some of the UK's leading retail buyers, hospitality professionals, brewers, category managers, and beer specialists. Their combined expertise ensures every entry is assessed through the lens of real-world commercial success.

Breweries from around the world are invited to enter the London Beer Competition to have their beers evaluated by influential industry professionals who understand what today's trade buyers and consumers are looking for. Winning a medal represents more than brewing excellence—it demonstrates strong market potential across the UK's retail and hospitality sectors.

Other Judges Confirmed For The Landmark 10th Edition

Benedict Sedgwick joins an impressive and growing panel of industry professionals already confirmed for the London Beer Competition's landmark 10th edition. The first round of judges announced includes:

Harry Barker CMgr – Senior Trader, Craft Beer, Ales & Stout, Morrisons, responsible for one of the UK's largest supermarket beer categories.

Chris Flavell – Senior Trader, Beer, Morrisons, bringing extensive experience in beer buying, category management, and retail merchandising.

Jourdan Gabbini – Buyer, Beer & Cider, Waitrose & Partners, overseeing one of the UK's leading premium supermarket beer ranges.

Helena Copeland – Buyer for Low & No Beers and Ready to Drink, Ocado Retail, responsible for one of the UK's fastest-growing beverage categories.

[[relatedPurchasesItems-69]]

Together with Benedict Sedgwick of Fuller, Smith & Turner, these judges represent a broad cross-section of the UK beer industry, spanning national supermarket chains, premium pub operators, hospitality, brewing expertise, and category management. Their combined experience ensures every beer is evaluated not only for its technical quality but also for its commercial appeal, value proposition, and ability to succeed in today's competitive marketplace.

Additional judges for the landmark 10th edition of the London Beer Competition will be announced in the coming weeks as the competition continues to assemble one of its strongest judging panels to date.

Also Read:
London Beer Competition Announces First Round of Judges for Landmark 10th Edition
More Feedback and Transparency For Entrants At The London Beer Competition