How to Become a Gourmet Food Buyer

A gourmet food buyer is a desirable job, whether it's at a large-scale or small-scale store. Opportunities are available with large mail-order distributors such as Harry & David, a chain of gourmet food stores such as Dean & DeLuca, or mom-and-pop operations.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Study hospitality management in college. It is a promising area of study as it leads to employment opportunities worldwide. This area of study covers gourmet food buying.

2. Obtaining a marketing degree is also helpful as it teaches you how to promote and build your business.

3. Work at a restaurant and gain valuable hands-on experience planning a budget, selecting quality ingredients and building relationships with vendors.

4. Work at a gourmet food store and gain valuable hands-on experience managing inventory and understanding your customers' needs.

5. Join industry groups such as the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade and build a professional network. Learn which companies are hiring and their requirements.

Tips & Warnings

• Attend gourmet food trade shows Work at a gourmet food store

References

• The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade
• Jobs for Specialty Food Buyers