Avendra hosted two events in February to help customers keep pace with the latest trends in the food & beverage industry and offer insights on the making and pairing of cheeses. More than 40 customers, founders and associates attended the back-to-back seminars at Avendra HQ in Rockville. Graduates went away with both an expanded knowledge base and an educated palette.

Day one was presented by the Institut du Fromage, an elite cheese education institute founded by distributor Gourmet Foods International. In-house experts from multiple Avendra cheese suppliers discussed cheese-making in general and the unique story behind their specialty cheeses.

New supplier Single Source Solution (S3) was also on hand to pair their boutique artisan wines with appropriate cheeses, boosting audience awareness of flavors, presentations and revenue regulating opportunities.

According to Vince Avalos, Director, Business Ownership, “We saw a genuine exchange of information, particularly about the art of pairing. Customers walked away with both valuable knowledge and new ideas about this profitable category.”

What’s New & Different?

The next day the Rockville offices became a showcase for innovative products in the hospitality industry available to Avendra customers.

A total of 36 suppliers set up demonstrations of their latest and greatest offerings – including food products, ingredients, beverage options and serving pieces – for customers to sample and see in service. Both customers and suppliers appreciated the casual atmosphere, which encouraged questions and discussion. For customers the timing meant access to these innovative goods for the rest of the year.

“This was a much-needed event,” said Vince, “as it gave suppliers a chance to spotlight their newest breakthroughs. It also benefited Avendra customers, who are challenged daily by guests to keep up with the hottest trends.”