George Brown College introduces postgraduate program in wine and beverage business management

TORONTO, March 6, 2015 /CNW/ - George Brown College's Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (CHCA) yesterday introduced a first-of-its-kind program in wine, beer and spirit business management for those looking to advance their careers in the growing food and beverage industry.

"This program offers several benefits for those looking to enter the beverage management business," says Lorraine Trotter, Dean, Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts, George Brown College. "Not only does it reflect industry trends and the needs of employers, it also provides students with unique hands-on learning opportunities, international exposure, and additional pathways for career success in the competitive food and alcohol beverage industry."

The Advanced Wine and Beverage Business Management postgraduate program is distinctive in that all the key sectors of alcoholic beverages, wine, beer and spirits are explored and there is a major focus on the business skills needed by the industry. Students gain superior knowledge of beverage alcohol products and acquire skills in financial management, business management, human resources, marketing and communications. The program is full time, completed over three semesters through George Brown's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.  

Food and beverage management is a cornerstone of the hospitality industry. From event venues to hotels to restaurants, knowledge of wine, beer and spirits is essential for those looking to advance their careers. With the launch of this new program, students can pursue careers as beverage directors, sales agents, territory managers, product consultants, brand ambassadors, wine stewards/cellar masters, specialty retail operations, portfolio managers, and as merchandising/inventory coordinators. Graduates also receive internationally recognized certifications for wine, beer and spirits.

"The core of what we wish to achieve through this program would be to have well-trained graduates with professional knowledge of the alcohol beverage industry," says Dario Guescini, Chair, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, CHCA. "Students will master the areas of wine, beer, mixology, food pairing, and then expand on those fundamentals with an understanding of food and beverage business management. They will also have the opportunity to learn though field placements at wineries, breweries and distilleries."

The introduction of the program coincides with the planned renovation and expansion of George Brown's innovative, student-focused concept restaurant, The Chefs' House. Once renovations are complete this fall, food and beverage students and industry professionals using the facility will have access to state-of-the-art wine facilities and event spaces as well as the Chefs' House restaurant.

To be admitted to the three-semester Advanced Wine and Beverage Business Management program, students must have a prior degree or a diploma in food and beverage management, hotel, tourism and leisure management, special event planning, or a related area. Applicants who do not have the required academic credentials but are current industry professionals with a minimum one year of industry experience and a strong understanding of industry standards may also be selected.

For more details on the Advanced Wine and Beverage Business Management program visit George Brown's postgraduate program page at www.georgebrown.ca/postgrad/hca/ 

About George Brown's Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts
The Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts is a leader in offering Culinary and Hospitality excellence in education. Its programs are designed to meet the needs of industry and are well known around the world in the culinary, baking, nutrition and hospitality fields. The Centre offers certificates, diplomas, degrees and postgraduate certificates, and runs a number of culinary enterprises including The Chefs' House restaurant, which provides students with the real-world practice employers value.

About George Brown College
Toronto's George Brown College has established a reputation for equipping students with the skills, industry experience and credentials to pursue the careers of their choice. The college offers programs from its three campuses located across the downtown core, including its newest location at the Toronto waterfront, which opened in September 2012. George Brown offers 142 full-time programs and 193 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to a student body of over 25,800 (full-time enrolment) students, including over 3,500 international students; and over 62,800 continuing education registrants. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, postgraduate certificates, apprenticeships and degrees. www.georgebrown.ca

SOURCE George Brown College

For further information: Joyann Callender, Media Relations Manager, George Brown College, [phone] x3159, [e-mail]