Allister Charles Cumming
Product Specialist & Chef
Summary
Proactive, ambitious, and creative Chef and Business Professional with a strong passion for innovation, leadership, and continuous growth. Recognized for delivering excellence in the kitchen, business strategy, and team development through innovative thinking. Committed to honesty, respect, and clear communication as the foundation of a successful workplace, thriving in diverse environments and connecting easily with individuals at all levels. A strong communicator and problem-solver dedicated to leading and mentoring teams to foster growth and drive results, with an unwavering commitment to learning and sharing knowledge as part of a collective journey toward success.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
National Product Specialist & Chef – RATIONAL
Foodserv Solutions (Pty) Ltd.
05.2023 - Current
- Developing and execution of a comprehensive commercial strategy for the Rational product line.
- Drive sales performance through effective channel management, customer engagement, and promotional activities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Rational representatives, customers, and internal teams.
- Conduct market analysis to identify growth opportunities and competitive positioning.
- Lead product training and demonstrations for internal staff and customers.
- Monitor and report on sales performance, forecasts, and KPIs.
- Collaborate with marketing to develop targeted campaigns and materials.
- Ensure compliance with Rational brand standards and guidelines.
- Support the development of new business opportunities and strategic partnerships
RATIONAL Product Specialist – iVario Multi Cooking Suite
Foodserv Solutions (Pty) Ltd.
04.2022 - 05.2023
- Serve as the subject matter expert for the RATIONAL iVario Pro and Advanced Cooking Suites.
- Conduct product demonstrations, training sessions, and cooking trials for end-users, distributors, consultants, and internal teams.
- Support the sales process by highlighting the iVario's capabilities, ROI benefits, and integration into various kitchen environments.
- Assist in installations, start-ups, and on-site training to ensure customers have a seamless onboarding experience.
- Provide technical support, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with service technicians and the RATIONAL support team when needed.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of product updates, cooking technology trends, and competitor offerings.
- Participate in trade shows, culinary events, and customer engagement initiatives to promote the iVario product line.
- Gather customer feedback and provide insights to the R&D and sales teams to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
Key Account Manager & National Product Specialist for LAINOX Combination Ovens
Vulcan Catering Equipment (Pty) Ltd.
12.2017 - 03.2022
- Maintaining a constant professional approach to client service, by correctly handling all sales related enquires, compiling informative quotations.
- Attending Weekly and Monthly Strategic Meetings.
- Dealing directly with Project Managers and Contractors - (Famous / Signature Brands) Mugg&Bean, PAUL, Wimpy, Milky Lane, Fego, LUPA, NetCafe.
- Meeting all levels of Operations to Procurement within the specified brands.
- Attending all site and handover meetings representing Vulcan Catering Equipment.
- Co-ordination quotations and sales activities by processing of sales orders and following up on quotations, order numbers and client liaison using the CRM process flow.
- Project Management – Internal and Key Account Related.
- Stock Forecasting according to Brand Specific Roll outs.
- Dealing directly with the Manufacturing Director and Special Assemblies.
- Dealing directly with the Logistics Director ensuring problem free deliveries.
- Dealing directly with the Installations Manager ensuring problem free commissioning / handovers.
- Assisting with design to execution of New Kitchen Concepts.
- Dealing with the Research & Development Division for new product designs.
- Assisting with walk in customers at the Vulcan Showroom and advising / directing the customer on the correct equipment for their operation – QSR, CDR and Retail Sectors.
- Dealing with Local purchasing and Imports department.
- Maintaining the set forth sales budget / Target of R8.2 million (individual) for the division per financial year maintaining a 20% GP.
- Providing and Facilitating Training sessions with customers on Good Kitchen Practice and Equipment demonstrations.
- Performing Live Product Demonstrations at HOSTEX, Bidvest Innovation Showcases on behalf of Vulcan Catering Equipment and International Suppliers.
- Providing Professional Food Preparation Services to the Bidvest Portfolio and International Guests / Suppliers.
- Assisting with design to execution of New Kitchen Concepts.
- Actively promoting and supporting the LAINOX Brand Nationally & Internationally.
- Dealing directly with Local and International Suppliers.
- Representing Vulcan Catering Equipment at Conferences and Trade Shows.
- Entertaining Key Account Customers – Golf Days to Personal “Wine n Dine” experiences.
Key Account Consultant and Rational Corporate Chef
Vulcan Catering Equipment (Pty) Ltd.
01.2016 - 11.2017
- Maintaining a constant professional approach to client service, by correctly handling all sales related enquires, compiling informative quotations.
- Dealing directly with Project Managers (Famous / Signature Brands).
- Meeting all levels of Operations to Procurement within the specified brands.
- Attending all site and handover meetings.
- Co-ordination quotations and sales activities by processing of sales orders and following up on quotations, order numbers and client liaison using the CRM process flow.
- Assisting with design to execution of New Kitchen Concepts.
- Dealing with the Research & Development Division for new product designs.
- Assisting with walk in customers at the Vulcan Showroom and advising / directing the customer on the correct equipment for their operation – QSR, CDR and Retail Sectors.
- Dealing with Local purchasing and Imports department.
- Maintaining the set forth sales budget / Target of R8.2 million (individual) for the division per financial year maintaining a 21% GP.
- Providing and Facilitating Training sessions with customers on Good Kitchen Practice and Equipment demonstrations.
- Representing Vulcan Catering Equipment at National & International Trade shows.
- Performing Live Product Demonstrations at Hostex, Bidvest Innovation Showcases on behalf of Vulcan Catering Equipment and International Suppliers.
- Providing Professional Food Preparation Services to the Bidvest Portfolio and International Guests / Suppliers.
- Developing Approved Training Documentation Modules for Customers and Staff of Vulcan Catering Equipment.
- Providing Product Development / Menu Engineering for Key Account Customers.
- Entertaining Key Account Customers – Golf Days to Personal Wine n Dine experiences.
Sales & Project Coordinator – Retail & Franchise Sector
Vulcan Catering Equipment (Pty) Ltd.
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Maintaining a constant professional approach to client service, by correctly handling all sales related enquires, compiling informative quotations and processing/ ordering stock of all sales orders.
- Loading and Coordination of all project sales orders for Nando's and Famous Brands.
- Co-ordination quotations and sales activities of assigned External Sales representatives by processing of sales orders and following up on quotations, order numbers and client liaison.
- Dealing with the Factory by creating job cards in accordance with client specifications.
- Assisting with Project Management.
- Dealing directly with Project Managers and Procurement.
- Assisting with walk in customers at the Vulcan Showroom and advising / directing the customer on the correct equipment for their operation.
Group Executive Chef
Ramkietjie Country Hotel, Restaurant, Conference & Venue Centre.
02.2013 - 12.2014
- Maintaining a constant Professional Approach to the Culinary Arts and Keeping a High Standard in food preparations to High End Clients / Corporates.
- Menu Engineering and Constant Product Trend Development.
- General Administration and Maintaining Budgets.
- Product Costing and Special Menu Costing.
- Liaising Function Briefs with General Managers & Co-ordinators.
- Overseeing all Skills Development Training - Staff.
- Procuring Quality Products from local and International Suppliers.
- Overseeing all Stock and Company Inventory Control.
- Assisting the Marketing dept with all respective documentation and Food Styling.
- Ensuring the Daily running's & activities of the restaurant and Co-ordination of all Food & Beverage items for all events.
- Securing nomination for EATOUT Awards 2014 – The Farmhouse Restaurant.
Group Head Chef
The Culinary Gallery - Specialized Catering Solutions & Consultation.
12.2009 - 01.2013
- Maintaining a constant Professional Approach to the Culinary Arts and Keeping a High Standard in food preparations to High End Clients / VIP / Corporates.
- Menu Engineering and Constant Product Trend Development – Popular QSR Projects.
- General Administration and Maintaining Budgets.
- Product Costing and Menu Costing.
- Providing Professional Advice & Client Consultation Services.
- Overseeing all Skills Development Training - Staff & Customers.
- Project Management for Private and Corporate Catering Solutions.
- Procuring Quality Products from local and International Agencies.
- Performing Live Cooking and Product Demonstrations for customers - Hirsch's Home Stores and Miele Appliances South-Africa.
- Good Food and Wine Show Product Demonstrations - Live.
- Providing Industry Consultation Services to Guesthouses, Lodges, Wedding Venues & Restaurants.
Snr Sous Chef
Château Res Duponet
02.2009 - 11.2009
Jnr Sous Chef
Lacolome Château
01.2008 - 12.2008
Snr. Chef de Partie
Magalies Heritage River Lodge
01.2007 - 12.2008
Commis Chef
Mount Grace Country House & Spa
11.2005 - 04.2007
Education
High School -
Krugersdorp High School
Johannesburg12.2002
Completion -
HOTFM 1027 Radio & Broadcasting Academy
11.2025
Effective Selling Strategies -
Leadership Management International (LMI)
Johannesburg10.2022
Diploma in Theology and Ministry – Level One -
Foresight Bible College
12.2018
National Certificate in Hospitality & Catering Services -
South West Gauteng College
11.2005
National Senior Certificate (NSC) -
Southwest Gauteng College
12.2004
National Intermediate Certificate (NIC) -
Southwest Gauteng College
12.2003
Skills
Product presentations
Sales acumen
Sales operations support
Customer relationship management
Targeted product positioning
Product knowledge training
Advanced technical expertise
Effective relationship building
Engaging presentation skills
Media relations
Analytical problem-solving
Cross-functional teamwork
Interests
Food Innovation & Cooking
Guitar
Golf
Personal Information
- ID Number: 8701105027085
- Passport Number: A06235673
- Health Status: Excellent
- Religion: Christian
- ID Type: Identity Number
- ID Number: 8701105027085
- Date of Birth: 10 January 1987
- Nationality: South African
- Driving License: Code 8
- Marital Status: Married
Short Courses
- Food Costing Workshop, South African Chefs Association, Johannesburg, 2013-07-15
- Advanced Knife Skills Workshop, South African Chefs Association, Johannesburg, 2014-06-01
- Advanced Molecular Gastronomy, South African Chefs Association, Johannesburg, 2014-08-09
- Rational Combination Oven Chef Training and Presentation Skills, 2017-06-01
- Middelby Marshall Conveyor Pizza Oven and Presentation Skills, 2017-06-01
- XLT Conveyor Pizza Oven & Presentation Skills, 2017-05-01
- Broaster U.S.A Pressure Fryers, 2017-05-01
- LAINOX Application Chef and Product Specialist training, Vittorio Veneto, Italy, 2017-12-01
- Advanced Fire Fighting, BBR Consulting Services, 2018-01-022
- Rational Advanced Sales & Product Training, Rational AM Lech Germany, 2023-04-01
- Rational Advanced Trainer Course, Foodserv Solutions, 2024-02-01
- Henny Penny Certified International Sales Professional Course – Level One, 2024-08-01
- Professional First Aid in the Workplace – Level One, 2024-06-01
- Rational Advanced Trainer Course, Foodserv Solutions, 2025-02-01
- Rational Advanced Sales & Product Training, Rational AM Lech Germany, 2025-05-01
Registered Affiliations
- South African Chefs Association (SACA), Registered Professional Member, 26790
- World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), Professional Member, SACA N0. 26790
Professional Competitions
- Unilever South Africa – Jnr. Chefs, 2006-01-01, HOSTEX, 2006 Sandton
- Unilever South Africa – Young Professional Chefs, 2008-01-01, HOSTEX, 2007 Sandton
- BidFood Group Chef Challenge – Snr Chefs, 2016-01-01
Professional Awards
ROSETTA Award, Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA), 2019-01-01, Recognized Service Professional for Excellence and Top Contributor
Notable Clients
- Juanita Du Plessis
- Theuns Jordaan
- Dianne Lawson
- His Excellency Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa & Guests
- Mr. Julius Malema
- Mr. Martinus van Scalkwyk
- Mr. Brian Joffe
- Mr. Lindsey Ralph
Religious Views
Christian
References
- Mr. Dimitri Spanos, JHB Branch Manager, Vulcan Catering Equipment (Pty) Ltd
- Mr. Terry vd Merwe, Group Director, Vulcan Catering Equipment (Pty) Ltd
Timeline
National Product Specialist & Chef – RATIONAL
Foodserv Solutions (Pty) Ltd.
05.2023 - Current
RATIONAL Product Specialist – iVario Multi Cooking Suite
Foodserv Solutions (Pty) Ltd.
04.2022 - 05.2023
Key Account Manager & National Product Specialist for LAINOX Combination Ovens
Vulcan Catering Equipment (Pty) Ltd.
12.2017 - 03.2022
Key Account Consultant and Rational Corporate Chef
Vulcan Catering Equipment (Pty) Ltd.
01.2016 - 11.2017
Sales & Project Coordinator – Retail & Franchise Sector
Vulcan Catering Equipment (Pty) Ltd.
01.2015 - 12.2015
Group Executive Chef
Ramkietjie Country Hotel, Restaurant, Conference & Venue Centre.
02.2013 - 12.2014
Group Head Chef
The Culinary Gallery - Specialized Catering Solutions & Consultation.
12.2009 - 01.2013
Snr Sous Chef
Château Res Duponet
02.2009 - 11.2009
Jnr Sous Chef
Lacolome Château
01.2008 - 12.2008
Snr. Chef de Partie
Magalies Heritage River Lodge
01.2007 - 12.2008
Commis Chef
Mount Grace Country House & Spa
11.2005 - 04.2007
High School -
Krugersdorp High School
Completion -
HOTFM 1027 Radio & Broadcasting Academy
Effective Selling Strategies -
Leadership Management International (LMI)
Diploma in Theology and Ministry – Level One -
Foresight Bible College
National Certificate in Hospitality & Catering Services -
South West Gauteng College
National Senior Certificate (NSC) -
Southwest Gauteng College
National Intermediate Certificate (NIC) -
Southwest Gauteng College