The foodservice industry encompasses producers, manufacturers, distributors, operators and service providers, and each of these stakeholders offers great value to the Australian economy. That being said, a career in foodservice is also highly rewarding for the individual. Here are the top seven benefits a career in foodservice brings.

Job Security 

The foodservice industry is one of the most stable and secure industries (outside of World pandemics!). As the world’s population continues to grow, so does the demand for foodservice professionals. It’s an industry that’s constantly growing and changing, so plenty of job opportunities are available at any time. Whether you want to work in a restaurant, catering business, or another related field, something will always be available.

Variety 

No two days are alike when working in the foodservice industry. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn something new. Each day is an adventure waiting to be explored! You could find yourself working on anything from menu planning to recipe development to customer relations—endless possibilities!

Opportunity for Creativity 

Foodservice professionals can express their creativity daily by creating incredible dishes and unique recipes for their customers. By combining ingredients, flavours, and textures into something new and exciting, chefs can make art on a plate! It’s also an excellent way to showcase their skills and express themselves as professionals.

Interpersonal Skills Development 

Working in the foodservice industry requires excellent interpersonal skills—such as communication, problem solving, collaboration, and teamwork—all of which help develop your professional understanding over time. Even if you don’t plan on taking on managerial roles right away (or ever), these skills will only benefit you throughout your career by helping you communicate more effectively with colleagues, peers, vendors and customers alike!

Sense of Community 

One of the best things about working in the foodservice industry is that it’s like one big family! Everyone works together towards a common goal—creating fabulous meals for customers—and has each other’s backs along the way! Being part of such a close-knit community allows employees to build strong relationships with those around them while feeling supported within their workplace environment.

Flexible Hours 

Depending on your role in the foodservice industry (e.g., back of house vs front of house), there are often plenty of flexible hours available that accommodate different lifestyles or schedules. This makes it easy for employees who may also have other commitments outside work (e .g., children or other hobbies) to balance their responsibilities without sacrificing too much time away from home or leisure activities.

Financial Rewards 

Finally, working in this highly demanded field often results in generous compensation packages, which can translate into higher salaries, bonuses, promotions, etc. On top of that, if you decide to pursue higher education, many employers offer tuition assistance programs so that individuals can hone their skills even further!

Conclusion

Despite the challenging conditions in recent times, there are many reasons to stay in or enter the foodservice industry. The stability of jobs in foodservice, the opportunity to use existing skills in a new context and the satisfaction that comes from feeding others are just some of the motivations for working in this industry. If you're looking to jump into the thrilling foodservice industry, you'd be hard-pressed not to find a door that's open. No matter if hospitality is your thing or manufacturing makes your mouth water - there are plenty of paths for exploration!

Through determination and perseverance, you can realise your full potential and become a driving force in the foodservice industry. AFAB CEO Tony Green is one such example of how you can transition between roles and grow in your career. He started off in the industry as a chef and later went into Sales and Marketing in manufacturing and distribution. The Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body can support you through these changes with quality information, resources and programs. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates.