METRO Cash & Carry Romania opens Southeastern Europe’s first Gastronomy Competence Center

Bucharest, April 23, 2008 – METRO Cash & Carry Romania has deepened its commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry by opening a training and information center for its professional customers and business partners as well as its own staff.

Across Europe, METRO Cash & Carry has made a name for itself as a preferred supplier and partner of the gastronomy industry. In line with its motto “from professionals for professionals”, the company has opened information and training centers for food and hospitality industry professionals in France and Poland. Following the success of these institutes, METRO Cash & Carry Romania has taken the initiative of setting up the first Gastronomy Competence Center in Southeastern Europe. At 500 Iuliu Maniu Blvd, in Bucharest, METRO Cash & Carry Romania has dedicated 650 square meters to training and information for customers and business partners as well as its own staff.

The Gastronomy Competence Center’s experienced specialists offer comprehensive training and demonstrations in five areas: laundry, bar, wines, preparation, cooking. The demonstrations and hands-on courses are carried out in strict compliance with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) quality assurance principles and using state-of-the-art professional equipment.

This means that professionals from the hospitality industry can not only learn the essential basics of the business, but also gain valuable insights and trade secrets from international experts. They also learn new methods of preparing and presenting fresh foods such as saltwater fish and Argentinean meat. Cooking classes focus on various types of dish, ranging from fast food and snacks to fine main courses and desserts. Cuisines from all over the world are featured as well as Romanian dishes. In addition, the Gastronomy Competence Center provides theoretical and practical training in the implementation and observance of the HACCP norms in gastronomy. The training on offer even includes sommelier courses.

“We have implemented the Gastronomy Competence Center to create an instrument that defines and differentiates our position within the relationship with our partners. Having made an investment of approximately one million Euros, we wish to be acknowledged as the best supplier for gastronomy,” says Francois Oliver, Managing Director METRO Cash & Carry Romania and Moldova. The move not only confirms METRO Cash & Carry’s role as a pioneer in the industry, its efforts to introduce and build up EU standards throughout the country also reflect the company’s strong support for Romania’s economic development.

To make sure that this message is communicated as efficiently as possible, the wholesaler has launched a special website dedicated to the Gastronomy Competence Center. At www.metrochef.ro interested parties can find in-depth information about the new institute, including the latest news, course details and registration forms.