WASHINGTON, DC — May 6, 2003 — Focusing on freshness, food safety and customer service, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) announces the release of a new training video —   “A Day in the Deli: Service, Selection and Food Safety.”

The 22-minute video provides a basic orientation for new deli department employees by highlighting the skills and sales techniques that will build department traffic and increase sales. The video emphasizes the value of customer service and how deli employees contribute to the financial interests of the store.

Proper food safety practices are also addressed, including proper food handling and preventing cross-contamination; food storage guidelines; cooking temperatures; sell-by dates and food rotation.

“Strong customer service and professionalism are essential to a successful deli operation,” said Kim Roberts, manager, education programs, FMI. “This video focuses on the importance of being able to anticipate customer needs and having a thorough knowledge of the operation’s products and services, as well as the proper handling practices that will ensure your customers are receiving the highest quality products available.”

“A Day in the Deli” encourages excellence in customer service and provides ideas for attracting consumers, such as product sampling and suggestive selling.

Specific details covered in the video:

• Maintaining a neat, well-groomed professional appearance.

• Greeting customers and providing them with courteous service.
• Understanding the importance of food safety.
• Gaining knowledge of all product categories (hot/cold foods, cheese, meats, etc.).
• Using suggestive selling techniques to add incremental sales on new items and weekly specials.

To purchase “A Day in the Deli: Service, Selection and Food Safety,” ($65 retail/wholesaler members; $110 associate members; $130 nonmembers), please contact the FMI Store (202-220-0723, www.fmi.org/pub).