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Beverage Sales & Marketing Management (B.S.)

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PROGRAM START: FALL 2021

Program Overview

Today’s beverage industry is changing, thriving and trending. Whether it’s nitro-brewed espresso, craft beer, an infusion of unique flavors (maybe turmeric and ginger), vitamin-enhanced water, or low- to no-alcohol cocktails, the choices are endless.

Beverage sales and marketing is expected to grow by 3.5%, with the largest increases for the highest paying positions: general and operations managers (+6.59%, $48.30/hour); sales managers (+5.34, $58.90/hour) and marketing managers (+7.55%, $62.75/hour).

Designed to help meet the beverage industry’s growing career opportunities, this new program provides a unique combination of courses and experiential opportunities not found at other colleges and universities.

A collaboration among JWU’s College of Hospitality Management, College of Food Innovation & Technology, and College of Business, the program gives students a strong foundation in hospitality and business management, along with beverage marketing, sales and product knowledge.

“The beverage industry is exploding, so the career opportunities in beverage sales, wholesaling, management, and for brand ambassadors are increasing rapidly,” notes Michael Sabitoni, CHE, associate professor and department chair of Food & Beverage Management within JWU’s College of Hospitality Management. “With the courses, specializations and real-life experience offered through this degree, graduates will be ready to begin or move up in careers in the beverage industry.”

Add an internship, a specialization (see below) or a minor, and you’ll learn all you need for a career in this dynamic industry.

There are two specializations to choose from to help put you a step above the competition:

  1. Wine Sales Specialist: Master the qualities and characteristics of wine from around the world.
  2. Beer, Mead, Fruit Wines, Cider Sales Specialist: Grasp the unique features associated with beer, mead, fruit wine and cider.

You’ll also have opportunities to test for professional certifications, including Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET®) beginner and foundation certifications, as well as certifications in bartending, mead and cider, and some advanced beverage certifications as well.

Upon graduating, you’ll be prepared for sales and marketing careers with beverage suppliers, importers, distributors, wholesalers and marketing companies, along with related career paths, including brand manager and beverage retailer, among others.

Appy to JWU Request Information
When it comes to beverages of the future, it’s all about health and wellness and focusing on unique infusions and flavors. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR MIKE SABITONI, CHE

JWU Career Outcomes

This program is available in Providence. The catalog link will be posted when it becomes available. Contact Admissions for more info.

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Michael Sabitoni

Associate Professor + Department Chair

Michael Sabitoni, M.S., is the department chairperson for both the International Travel/Tourism Studies and the Food & Beverage Management departments.

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Jennifer Broderick

Associate Professor

Prior to teaching at JWU, Broderick spent 36 years in management, operations, human resources, manager training and employee development.

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Linda Pettine

Associate Professor

Linda Pettine spent 17 years in industry prior to changing her career to education. Most of her industry experience was focused in the areas of fine dining and beverage operations.

Sample Courses

  • Food Service and Hospitality Strategic Marketing
  • Spirits and Mixology Management
  • Product and Brand Management
  • Contemporary Sales in the Global Economy
  • Foundations of Wine
  • Social Media Marketing

Occupational Outlook*

Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.

  • Wholesale Sales Representative
  • Median Salary: $63,000

More career possibilities:

  • Brand Managers
  • Beverage Importer
  • Tasting Room Manager
  • Outside Sales Representative
  • Beverage Supplier

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Job outlook: 2018-2028. Median salary: 2018.

Backlit Bar with Bottles

Top Beverage Trends

Department Chair Michael Sabitoni shares what he sees as the top beverage treds of 2020, from low ABV (alcohol-by-volume) beverages to CBD-infused drinks:

“When it comes to beverages of the future, it’s all about health and wellness and focusing on locally produced and unique infusions and flavors. Based on industry research, surveys and the political climate, there are big changes happening in the beverage industry. Here’s the latest on what’s hot.”

READ THE STORY

Did You Know?

The alcoholic beverage industry’s economic impact is more than $253 billion, according to the American Beverage Licensees, and the American Beverage Association reports that annual revenue from nonalcoholic beverages is nearly $183 billion — and climbing.

Faculty Contacts

Providence

Michael Sabitoni, CHE
401-598-4639
Email

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