How Do I Become a Food Broker?
A person who wants to become a food broker typically needs a high school diploma. Some people, however, may opt to earn General Educational Development (GED) diplomas instead. College isn’t usually required for a person who wants to pursue this field. Taking marketing and business courses, however, even though they are not required, may help an aspiring food broker to succeed. Gaining some sales experience may prove helpful as well.
A food broker is a person who promotes food and food products for people who produce and manufacture them. This person essentially works to connect buyers with producers and manufacturers. For example, a food broker may promote specialty food products to wholesalers and retail stores. He generally will not promote them to consumers, however.
Often, food manufacturers find two benefits to working with a food broker. First, a manufacturer gets more exposure for his products, which often translates into more sales. Second, using the services of a food broker may prove less expensive than hiring full-time sales staff. Wholesalers and retailers benefit as well. Since a food broker typically promotes many manufacturers, a wholesaler or retailer may be able to find all he needs through the broker rather than having to deal with sales people from many different companies.
Many people who want to work as food brokers begin as sales representatives and receive on-the-job training. They may then move on to food brokering, starting their own businesses instead of working for a company. Others may apply for jobs with established brokerages.
Once a person has become a food broker, he may receive additional training. For example, he may receive training from the producers and manufacturers who contract with him. Such training prepares a food broker to present a company’s products in the best possible light.
To prepare to become a food broker, a person may do well to check with his local health department. In some places, a person in this field may need a license to handle food, such as when distributing samples. He may also take marketing courses that give him valuable insight when the time comes to promote products. Business courses may help as well, especially if he plans to start his own business instead of working for a company.
When ready, an individual who wants to become a food broker may either apply for jobs with brokerage companies that handle the food industry or approach food producers and manufacturers on his own. If an aspiring broker chooses to start his own business, he’ll need to use some of his sales skill to convince companies to contract with him. He’ll also need to create a contract for each company that agrees to work with him, detailing the amount of commission he’ll earn for his work.
Written by N. Madison
