The value of face-to-face:
3 reasons why travel is an essential part of Food Trading
Traveling for work is obviously a very nice extra, but in the case of Food Trading, it is also an essential part of the job.
At Kühne + Heitz, we therefore encourage our traders to visit their customers and markets as much as possible.
Face-to-face is more valuable than ever in today’s digital world.
But why is travel for a Food Trader so important?
We give you the three main reasons.
1. Build rapport: really get to know your customers.
First of all: building a personal connection. After all, Food Trading is much more than just buying and selling products.
As a trader, you must also be able to sell yourself. After all, people like to work with people they trust. A personal connection with your customers creates gunning. Really get to know your clients, in their own environment, and you will find that you have an edge over traders who want to handle everything by phone or mail.
Thus, travel not only makes work more fun, but also a lot more effective!
2. World knowledge: understand your customers and their world
A broad interest in the world around us helps the Food Trader respond to current events. Know what’s going on in the world, and you also know what your customers in another country are up against at the time. This allows you to respond better and faster to their wants and needs. And what better way to learn about the world than by traveling?
The news, the Internet and trade magazines are useful tools for a Food Trader, but nothing provides more insight and knowledge than travel. Talk to your customers face-to-face and ask how they are doing. Learn from their culture and environment. It sounds simple, but it makes a world of difference in trading.
3. Developing yourself
Not only the development of knowledge, but also personal development is an important aspect of travel. As a Food Trader, you will have the opportunity, during your business, to discover the world and enrich yourself.
Eddie, Food Trader Africa at Kühne + Heitz, says: “You get the chance to discover countries you would never search for on Google or Skyscanner yourself. Mauritania, Mozambique, Guinea… I discover more about Africa and my African roots than I ever dreamed of. All while making my clients and employer happy!”
We regularly share stories and discoveries from colleagues like Eddie on our socials. Are you already following us?
Get on board at Kühne + Heitz
Does achieving international success and meeting customers in other countries sound like you?
We are always looking for talented Food Traders to join our team!
On this journey, you will have plenty of room to utilize your talents and make the most of yourself and your career.
Check out our job openings here: