Food and beverage knowledge

Product and service information

One of the first things you will learn when undertaking a school-based traineeship in hospitality is that you must be able to describe foods and beverages on the menu in ways that make them sound appetizing and attractive, and must give customers accurate information in response to any questions or queries.

Food and beverage knowledge

Your food and beverage knowledge should be constantly updated. Product and service information can be obtained through many avenues:

From the product itself – by looking at and tasting or using the product you sell, you will be able to develop firsthand knowledge of the quality, value, and characteristics of the product

Seeking information from chefs, cooks and other food service personal

By acknowledging customer feedback

Food and beverage reference books

Recipes and menus

Seek information and/or demonstrations from the supplier

Supplier or manufacturer presentations can be organized; particularly in the case where a new or significantly different product has been introduced into your sales range

Attend trade fairs and exhibitions

Local growers and producers

Packaging and product labels

The internet

Information sharing is one of the best ways to continually develop your product knowledge and to assist other staff members in developing their product knowledge.  The release of new product and service lines occurs on an almost daily basis. It is essential that you maintain your product knowledge at a very high level if you are to truly be an effective staff member.

To keep up-to-date, 

it is important to have the most recent and relevant information in relation to what is happening in your venue – changing trends, new techniques, technologies, and seasonal produce.

Keeping up-to-date with your local specialties and offerings is extremely important, as customers come to a region or city to experience the food, service, and wines indicative of your area. These specialized offerings offer a point of difference for the region, but can also mean that your establishment offers something that nobody else is and you can entice customers to come to your workplace for many return visits.

Expand your local knowledge by knowing the food and beverage items specific to your local area. A great way to do this would be taking the opportunity to attend your local food and beverage festivals.

When working in the hospitality industry know the specialties of your area is fantastic; you need to be aware that it is even more important to know what your establishment has to offer. If you do not know the wine list, menu or specials of the day, your customers will not be impressed and may order less. Know the basic menu styles, food and beverage items, and how to serve them appropriately.