Canada's food and beverage industry is a $32 billion a year industry currently employing over 700,000 people.
This sector encompasses all types of establishments supplying food and beverages for consumption, from fine dining specialties, ethnic restaurants and institutional food outlets to catering firms, pubs and lounges. Food and Beverage is also a major youth employer and training ground for many employees who are beginning their working careers.
A British Columbia Perspective:
- Anticipated labour demand by 2015 is 44,300 new workers
- Projected rate of annual employment growth is 2.6%
Changing consumer preferences and escalating competition are increasing the sophistication of management and business planning practices by food and beverage operators. Many restaurants are launching retail food product lines to diversify their interests and expand their market share. Other specialty establishments market their products to the corporate and business community. Food and beverage chains have found a niche in bookstores, department stores and casinos.
As the lines between traditional food and beverage operations and other industries blur, employers and employees alike must continue reacting to changing customer expectations with innovative ideas and responses and by providing exceptional service that warrants repeat customer visits.