In-Store Food and Beverage Demonstrator

About the company

Orbit Marketing is a well-established marketing agency that brings well-known food and beverage brands to shoppers inside New Zealand supermarkets. The business focuses on in-store sampling and live cooking demonstrations that create memorable tasting experiences and help products stand out during a regular grocery shop. The Hawke’s Bay team operates across major supermarkets such as Woolworths, New World, and Pak'nSave.

About the role

This position is based in Napier and Hastings supermarkets and is ideal for people who enjoy food, beverages, and engaging with the public. Around half of the shifts involve product sampling, where you will pour, plate, and offer tastings while explaining the product. The other half are live cooking demonstrations, where you will prepare simple dishes in-store to show the product in use.

You may choose to do both types of shifts, or focus on the format that suits you best. The work is varied; for example, one month may include a Wattie’s Soup cooking demo and BOSS Coffee sampling, with both shift types being equally important.

Key duties

Depending on the shift, your tasks will include welcoming shoppers, serving samples, preparing easy recipes in front of customers, and keeping the display area attractive, clean, and safe for food handling throughout the day.

Shift pattern

Most shifts fall between Wednesday and Sunday, and you can select availability that suits you. Demos generally take place during busy shopping periods, typically late morning to early afternoon on weekends and mid-afternoon to early evening on weekdays.

Immediate shifts are available on the following dates:

• 3 July, 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm
• 4 July, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm
• 5 July, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm
• 9 July, 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• 11 July, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
• 12 July, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

What we are looking for

The role suits someone who enjoys talking about food and drink with shoppers, brings a sales-focused mindset, and is confident starting conversations. Experience in hospitality, barista work, deli service, food trucks, catering, retail sampling, or home cooking is helpful, but none of it is essential because full training is provided.

You should be comfortable either cooking simple dishes in front of an audience, doing sampling-only work, or handling both kinds of shifts. Pride in maintaining a tidy and hygienic workstation is important, along with the ability to stand for a full shift and carry sampling equipment to and from your vehicle.

Practical requirements

You will need access to a vehicle and a current New Zealand driver’s licence because the demo kit must be transported between stores. Applicants must also be legally allowed to work in New Zealand, be available on weekends, and be comfortable handling food and beverages safely. A current Food Safety or food handler certificate is an advantage, although training is provided if you do not already have one. You should also be well presented and comfortable wearing branded uniform.

What’s on offer

The role includes a competitive hourly rate, paid training in both sampling and cooking demonstrations, food safety, and product knowledge. You’ll enjoy a role with real variety, a supportive team, and a fun working environment. Flexible shifts make this a good fit around study, family, or another job.

Additional information

When applying, you should let the employer know whether you are interested in sampling shifts, cooking shifts, or both. The team has plenty of work available across all of these options. If you enjoy sharing food and drink with shoppers in Napier and Hastings, you are encouraged to express your interest and include a short introduction about yourself.