The executive president of the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) and his wife have committed suicide together in Switzerland.
Peter Duff, 80, also founder of Alcohol in Moderation (AIM) and his wife Penny, 70, had both been suffering from terminal cancer. Their daughter, Helena Conibear, executive director of AIM, issued a statement confirming they had travelled to the Dignitas euthanasia clinic to end their lives.
Alan Gibbons, executive director of the IWSC paid tribute to Duff’s work.
‘Peter was involved in the IWSC for more than 30 years and was fundamental to making the competition what it is today. He was a personal friend of Robert Mondavi and was crucial to getting him, and the great and the good of the wine industry involved in the competition,’ he told decanter.com.
‘We won’t see his like again,’ he added.
Duff also established The Wine Guild of the United Kingdom. Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, co-founder of the Guild said Duff’s death was a major loss. ‘Peter made a huge contribution to wine in this country. It is very sad and he will be greatly missed.’
Written by Rebecca Gibb
