NEW YORK, NY: Building a broader platform for diversity in the culinary and hospitality industries is the spirit behind BCAGlobal’s 12th Annual Global Food & Wine Event that will take place on Friday, April 8th, 2016 at Espace, 635 West 42nd Street in New York, NY from 7 PM to 10:30 PM.
Unlike any other food and wine event, BCAGlobal incorporates culinary and hospitality students into the event experience as a part of the mentoring focus the organization fosters. BCAGlobal seeks to expose young culinary professionals of color to opportunities and career professionals that will aid in the advancement of their careers.
Attendees will enjoy culinary samples paired with wine from select restaurants, winemakers, distributors and outlets from around the world. More than 50 culinary students will partner these premier industry professionals as they unveil the latest trends and flavors in food and wine.
“In our 12th year, we continue to focus on the importance of diversity in the food, wine and spirits industry. Some years ago, the wine and spirits industry was considered separate from the culinary and food service industry. We want to expose young culinary and hospitality professionals and students to the many different career opportunities available to them in the closely connected wine and spirits industry,” said Alex Askew, President and CEO of BCAGlobal.
This year, the BCAGlobal Vision in Wine Award will be presented to Selena Cuffe, the co-founder and CEO of Heritage Link Brands. After finding out that less than 2% of the wine industry in South Africa is owned by people of color, it became Selena’s mission to increase diversity in this industry. Heritage Link Brands is now the largest importer of wine produced by indigenous Africans in the world. Selena’s company has come to be recognized in the media for its award-winning wine from PBS to TIME Magazine.
The Vision in Wine Award recognizes wine and spirits professionals who have demonstrated a dedication to building awareness and appreciation among people of color for the culture of wine through exposure and education.
For more information or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities please contact BCAGlobal: info@bcaglobal.org or call (212) 643–6570. To purchase tickets please visit our website at bcaglobal.org.
About BCA Global: The BCA is a nationwide non-profit, educational and networking organization of hospitality and food service professionals. Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 1998, our mission is to create exposure and provide educational and professional opportunities for culinary and hospitality professionals of color. We accomplish this objective by providing quality educational and employment resources, job coaching, mentoring, placement assistance, and networking support.
