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Why work in the spirits industry?

Why work in the spirits industry?

The field of spirits promises an exciting and stimulating career for those interested in the art of making alcoholic beverages and who appreciate gastronomic culture. The spirits market offers a wide range of opportunities in different fields, such as production, sales, marketing and management.

By working in the spirits industry, you can gain expertise in alcoholic beverage production techniques, discover the different flavours and aromas of spirits and learn how to pair them with specific dishes and events. It’s also a constantly evolving sector, with new products and emerging trends. So you can be involved in innovative and creative projects throughout your career.

What is the spirits sector?

The spirits industry is an exciting field that encompasses the production, marketing and distribution of alcoholic beverages. It is a growing global market that offers employment opportunities in many areas. Study programmes such as the Bachelor in Wine and Spirits and the MBA in Marketing and Management of Spirits offered by INSEEC are designed to prepare students for a career in this sector.

The Bachelor’s degree in Wines and Spirits provides comprehensive training in the techniques used to produce alcoholic beverages, the different wine-growing regions and the commercial aspects of the spirits industry. The MBA in Marketing and Management of Spirits, meanwhile, enables students to acquire in-depth skills in marketing, management, distribution and communication so that they can work effectively in the spirits industry. The spirits sector is a dynamic market, where innovation and creativity are key factors for success.

Is the spirits sector hiring?

The spirits sector is a fast-growing global market that offers a wide range of career opportunities in production, distribution, marketing and management. Study programmes such as the Bachelor in Wines and Spirits and the MBA in Marketing and Management of Spirits offered by INSEEC are designed to best prepare students for careers in this sector.

Indeed, according to INSEE data, the global spirits market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, which could lead to an increase in demand for qualified professionals in the field. What’s more, France is one of the world’s leading producers of spirits, guaranteeing plenty of job opportunities for those wishing to work in the alcoholic drinks industry.

What are the professions in the spirits sector?

The spirits sector offers a variety of professions, from production and sales to marketing and management. You can work in companies of all sizes, from large international groups to small craft distilleries:

  • Spirits producers are responsible for the manufacture and distillation of alcoholic beverages such as whisky, vodka, gin, cognac and other liqueurs;
  • Marketing specialists are responsible for promoting brands and creating effective sales strategies to reach consumers;
  • Distribution professionals are responsible for selling and distributing products on national and international markets;
  • Managers in the spirits industry are responsible for company management, human resources and commercial operations;
  • Sommeliers and mixologists may also work in the spirits industry, offering advice and recommendations on beverage choices and cocktail creation.

What is the average salary in the spirits industry?

It’s difficult to give a precise answer to this question, as average pay for jobs in the spirits industry depends on a number of factors, such as experience, training, company size and geographical location. However, salaries in the spirits industry are generally competitive, particularly for skilled and experienced professionals.

For example, the average salary for a distiller is around €44,000 a year. Salaries for sales and marketing professionals can vary considerably, depending on hierarchical level and experience. Sales and marketing managers can earn high salaries, ranging from €70,000 to over €150,000 a year. Sommeliers and mixologists can also be well paid, particularly in high-end restaurants and cocktail bars.

How do you train to work in this sector?

There are several ways to train to work in the spirits sector. Firstly, a number of university programmes, such as the Bachelor’s degree in Wines and Spirits and the MBA in Marketing and Management of Spirits offered by INSEEC, provide comprehensive, specialist training in this field. These programmes cover a wide range of subjects, from production and distillation to brand management and sales.

It is also possible to take specific professional training courses, such as sommellerie or mixology, to acquire targeted skills. Many online courses are also available for those wishing to take distance learning courses.

Another way of training is to do work placements in companies in the spirits industry, which can offer practical experience and help to establish professional contacts.

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