IFDA, Technomic & FSMA Launch Groundbreaking Online Foodservice Training

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Jul 14, 2015, 11:10 ET

CHICAGO, July 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Technomic experts, working in collaboration with the International Foodservice Distribution Association (IFDA) and the Foodservice Sales & Marketing Association (FSMA), have introduced "Foodservice Essentials: Industry Knowledge Made Easy," a comprehensive training program designed to let industry professionals train at their own pace using interactive online learning tools.

Foodservice Essentials was created with distributor, manufacturer and sales agencies in mind and provides valuable professional development for new employees and junior employees, as well as anyone who can benefit from a broader world view of the industry.

The groundbreaking program compiles 12 learning modules covering a comprehensive range of foodservice information from the manufacturing, distribution, sales agency and operator segments. Training includes competency testing at the end of each module and at the end of the course. Total training time takes approximately 10-12 hours and is self-paced, and management can track employee participation and performance.

The curriculum includes:

Industry Structure: Manufacturers, Agencies, Distributors, Operators (3 modules)
Functional Roles & Purpose
Process Flow & Buying Practices (2 modules)
Trading Partner Relationships (2 modules)
Operator Segment Realities
Business Economics
Menu & Culinary Trends
Consumer Demands & Drivers

"We see this training as a major benefit to professionals, to companies and to the industry at large. No single part of our industry functions in a vacuum. Foodservice Essentials will illustrate industry dynamics and how trading partners can work more closely and intelligently to understand customer needs and improve performance. We have made the curriculum engaging and interactive, which should greatly enhance the learning experience," says Bob Goldin, executive vice president at Technomic Inc.

Each module takes an in-depth look at how different parts of the foodservice industry function—and function together. For instance, the "Industry Structure: Manufacturers & Distributors" module examines the manufacturer's role in the industry, the different types of manufacturers, how foodservice sales agencies work with manufacturers, and the roles that different types of distributors have in foodservice. The modules will help people see the connections between specific areas of the foodservice business, such as how menu trends affect distributor sales representatives' day-to-day activities.

"Our goal is to help industry newcomers and less tenured staff get grounded quickly on the intricacies of the business that can otherwise take years to learn," says Mark Allen, president and CEO of IFDA. "We are working in a fast-paced, quickly evolving business. Foodservice Essentials fills a major void in the market. This core knowledge and industry insights will help industry professionals understand the rapidly evolving foodservice marketplace."

Press Inquiries:

Mary Chapman | Senior Director, Product Innovation | Technomic Inc. | v. 312-506-3871

Chris Caldwell |Director Communications & Marketing | IFDA |[email protected] |
703-532-9400

Rick Abraham| President & CEO | FSMA |[email protected]| 800-617-1170. X100

Ordering Information:

Emily Hallock|Research Analyst |[email protected]| 312-506-3925

About IFDA

IFDA members deliver to professional kitchens across America, and other places around the world. Our members include broadline, systems, and specialty foodservice distributors that supply food and related products to restaurants, colleges and universities, hospitals and care facilities, hotels and resorts, and other foodservice operations. In the U.S. alone, foodservice distributors deliver approximately 25 million cases of product every business day. Our membership includes approximately 140 foodservice distributors in the US and abroad representing annual sales of $125 billion. Learn more at www.ifdaonline.org.

About Technomic

Only Technomic delivers a 360-degree view of the food industry. We drive growth and profitability for our clients by providing the most reliable, consumer-grounded, channel-relevant data with forward-looking strategic insights. Our services range from major research studies and management consulting solutions to online databases and simple fact-finding assignments. Our clients include food manufacturers and distributors, restaurants and retailers, other foodservice organizations, and various institutions aligned with the food industry. Visit us at technomic.com.

About FSMA

FSMA is the national trade group representing foodservice sales agencies and the manufacturer clients they represent. FSMA delivers to our members a national voice, industry expertise, and a foodservice learning and business development community. We provide the resources that help our members Sell Better Together. Visit www.fsmaonline.com for more information.

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SOURCE Technomic