Restaurateurs must not aggressively up-sell wines to boost spend

14 May 2008 by
Restaurateurs must not aggressively up-sell wines to boost spend

Restaurateurs must be sensitive to diners needs and not try to boost consumer spend by aggressively up-selling wines, the Academy of Food & Wine (AFW) has warned.

The organisation said that in the current economic climate, it was vital that operators ensure front-of-house staff do not adopt an over-zealous sales technique that drives customers away.

The AFW added that it is important that staff are well trained and familiar with the wines they are selling, as well as be prepared to point out good value wines and draw diners' attention to those offered by the glass or carafe.

AFW director and chief executive Nick Scade said the industry needs to respond to changing market forces to keep customers returning to restaurants.

"It is better to add value with extras such as a free carafe of tap water, special menus focussing on seasonal dishes, or price promotions on weekdays or lunches," he said.

"Some restaurateurs are advising front-of-house staff to try to sell more to customers to increase their spend and boost profits. While this can be a positive thing in a strong consumer market, in a weaker one the focus should be on adding value and encouraging people into restaurants."

For more see our Wine round-up for tips and advice on Uncorking Profits >>

Pub and bar operators urged to be more ambitious with wine offer >>

Are wine sales suffering from the credit crunch? >>

Academy of Food & Wine names UK Sommelier of the Year >>

By Kerstin Kühn

E-mail your comments to Kerstin Kühn here.

The Caterer Blog](http://www.caterersearch.com/blogs/catering-news-blog/) Catch up with more news and gossip on the Caterer Blog here
[Newsletters For the latest hospitality news, sign up for our e-mail newsletters.
The Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email

Start the working day with The Caterer’s free breakfast briefing email

Sign Up and manage your preferences below

Check mark icon
Thank you

You have successfully signed up for the Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email and will hear from us soon!

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.

close

Ad Blocker detected

We have noticed you are using an adblocker and – although we support freedom of choice – we would like to ask you to enable ads on our site. They are an important revenue source which supports free access of our website's content, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

trade tracker pixel tracking