Smart beverage solution provider DaVinci Gourmet has launched the Flavour Genius Community, a platform designed to provide training and resources to “baristas, charistas, and mixologists” in the Asian Pacific region.
Aimed to improve the coffee craft, the platform will offer quality training to staff within the foodservice industry.
“Finding good, trained staff who uphold high standards to keep customers coming back and help boost the business is a challenge for many operators today, especially when they lack the time, money or resource to train their people,” says Eloise Dubuisson, Marketing Director, Foodservice Street, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa. Kerry is the parent company of DaVinci Gourmet.
“The Flavour Genius Community aims to bring together a close-knit regional eco-system of brand ambassadors to support our customers through innovation and industry expertise.”
The Flavour Genius Community is supported by the Flavour Genius Academy, which aims to teach trainees critical skills and techniques in drink-making with a focus on creating and expressing flavour in every drink they serve. Upon completion, attendees will receive a certificate in flavour.
The program has three pillars: Barista, Charista, and Mixology, with varying levels of experience ranging from foundation to intermediate to advanced. The full suite of training can be accessed online through the Flavour Genius Academy website.
Courses cover topics such as basic knowledge, flavour profiles, equipment, and tools knowledge, skills and techniques, and recipes. Training for the foundation levels will be rolled out first, followed by the intermediate and advanced levels.
According to Kerry, virtual engagement as part of today’s digital environment is a key component of the program. Regular live webinars covering marketing insights, product knowledge, and demonstrations will be held, with trainers of these sessions including Joseph Anthony Apostol, a three-time Asia Flairing champion and Jeff Ho, a certified Australian Tea Master.
“The Flavour Genius Community is built on four main pillars that ensure the connectivity, inclusiveness, and development of trainees,” says Jeff.
“Besides upskilling, members can also upload and share drink creations and recipes through a central library, as well as join informal monthly virtual gatherings to stay connected with peers, exchange ideas and knowledge, and learn best practices.”
These live events are also open to external parties and will allow beverage artists or “Flavour Geniuses” to be profiled as ambassadors of DaVinci Gourmet.
“With jobs and businesses affected by the ongoing pandemic, we want to play our part in supporting the beverage community and help develop talent in the sector,” says Eloise.
“Our vision is for DaVinci Gourmet to be the leading brand of beverage solutions and holistic services for foodservice operators, brought alive through our network of professionally trained Flavour Geniuses, distributors and sub-distributors.”
Kerry is a taste and nutrition company that offers solutions across the globe. Today, the company operates in 32 countries and employs more than 26,000 employees, including more than 1000 food scientists.
For more information on DaVinci Gourmet, please visit www.apac.davincigourmet.com
