Bethany Gardiner – CAFRE Alumni
Courses offered by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) aim to produce graduates who can meet the challenges of work within agri-food supply chain. Loughry Campus, in partnership with Ulster University, offers three Honours Degree courses. The courses allow students to select an area of study and future employment that interests them; whether that be science, technology, innovation or business.
Bethany Gardiner from Lisburn, graduated from CAFRE with a BSc (Honours) Degree in Food Management and Marketing in June 2016. Bethany identified a passion for marketing, beginning her career with Moy Park’s graduate programme as a Category and Marketing Management Trainee. After successfully training under the graduate scheme, Bethany worked as a Category Insight Analyst for Moy Park. Working in a fast paced environment within a knowledgeable marketing team she gained beneficial experience to progress her career.
Now employed in Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, Bethany is a Category Development Executive. Bethany has been able to showcase valuable skills and knowledge gathered from her time at both CAFRE and Moy Park.
Bethany says, “Category development is a role that can be so varied in what you are doing, depending on business needs. It is essential to marketing, used as an all-round component to support business operations and market strategies.
No two days are the same. My work ranges from designing planograms for beverage sections in-store for popular retailers such as Spar NI and Tesco to reviewing and making recommendations to planning our portfolio of restaurant groups. I ensure the drinks category and offering is attractive to all consumers. It is also important we analyse our competitors, keep well informed on consumer behaviours and trends influencing consumers buying decisions.”
Bethany reflects, “Loughry has a fantastic reputation in the food industry, both in Northern Ireland and further afield. Valuable industry contacts, bursaries and graduate programmes that Loughry promote are really important. They help students establish themselves in such a competitive and fast paced industry. The hands on, practical approach that Loughry offers, has supported me in my career. I have confidence to present ideas to customers and understand the theory behind the practices. During my studies at Loughry, I was introduced to many aspects the food industry; it is a massive with many different job roles available. If like me, you enjoy the business aspects of the industry, I would encourage you to look into the courses on offer at CAFRE, Loughry Campus.
CAFRE is currently accepting applications through UCAS Extra for places on Honours Degree courses starting this September. A limited number of places may be available through UCAS Clearing in August. If you would like information about Food courses offered at CAFRE please telephone 0800 028 4291 or email: enquiries@cafre.ac.uk