FBSK brings Finnish bartenders together

Are you familiar with FBSK? The Finnish Bartenders and Supporters Club, or FBSK, is an association that promotes networking between bartenders, the development of professional skills, and international cooperation. FBSK has regional chapters across Finland, which organize events for their members, such as training sessions often held in connection with monthly meetings. FBSK has approximately 400 members.

A support network for the industry

FBSK was founded in 1954. Board member Salla Sormunen explains that at the time of its founding, the association’s purpose was specifically to maintain bartenders’ professional skills in cocktail making. Today, FBSK still promotes the development of its members’ professional skills through training, but also aims to introduce Finnish bartenders to each other and promote international cooperation.

At the same time, the goal is to foster bartenders’ pride in their profession and to be a support network for the industry that can always be relied upon. “Let’s be proud of who we are and highlight it. We want to be a feel-good community where we can share our knowledge and help one another,” Sormunen says.

FBSK is a member of the International Bartenders Association (IBA). In addition to members being able to network with each other and develop their professional skills in training sessions, FBSK also makes it possible to compete at an international level.

FBSK Chairperson Greta Grönholm is known as a cocktail world champion and entrepreneur. A long-time professional, she has been involved in FBSK’s activities for about 20 years, 15 of which she has served on the board and the last few years as Chairperson. “The industry has given me a lot, so I want to give back as well,” Grönholm says. Bartenders should stick together so that the diverse industry and profession remain vibrant and evolving. “You get as much out of the bartender profession as you are willing to put into it. FBSK trains, guides, and supports you in that,” Grönholm encourages.

Cocktail bar culture is evolving and becoming more international

Greta Grönholm says that people’s interest in cocktails has grown over the years, and they have become increasingly trendy. At the same time, the association’s membership has grown, and the internationalization of bartenders has taken steps forward. In addition to networking, international cooperation helps develop Finnish cocktail culture, as influences and trends can be brought in from other countries where different trends develop and appear at different times.

FBSK Chairperson Greta Grönholm and board member Salla Sormunen.

Board member Salla Sormunen sees that cocktail bar culture has become more diverse. There are wine bars, beer bars, and, for example, neighborhood bistros that have a bit of everything. Cocktails are no longer exclusively available at cocktail bars. “Nowadays, you can get everything everywhere, but with professional skill. And professional skill is what we want to maintain, so that everyone can be proud of their work with their heads held high,” Sormunen says.

In the versatile profession of a bartender, one can be creative. In her own career as a cocktail designer and cocktail world champion, Greta Grönholm says she finds inspiration for cocktails from almost anywhere. “They can come from a sunset, a yogurt pot, candy, a grocery store checkout line, the juice aisle, or the fruit and vegetable section. Then it’s time to test flavors, go with the flow. Just keep your eyes open and be open-minded,” Grönholm says.

Networking pays off

Over time, cocktails and the products themselves change, so innovation is required from bartenders. Through FBSK’s training and the entire community, the goal is to develop and advance the culture. FBSK serves as a support network and community for its members, where they can benefit their own work as well as meet new friends and valuable contacts across Finland. Knowing people is always beneficial, and especially for those just starting their careers, getting to know others in the industry and attending training sessions are good steps forward in both their careers and free time. Membership in a bartenders’ association is also respected abroad, and simply belonging to the organization can open new doors.

FBSK organizes official association meetings annually, where the Finnish Championship qualifiers for the best cocktail and the title of best bartender are usually held in connection with the spring meeting. The competition category is provided by the International Bartenders Association (IBA). The cocktail category can be, for example, before dinner, all day, after dinner, or sparkling. In the autumn, a competition for young bartenders under the age of 30 is also organized.

FBSK also organizes many other events, such as Grand Cocktail Weekend, which brings visiting foreign bartenders to Turku’s cocktail bars. FBSK acts as the event organizer and marketer, connecting visiting bartenders, beverage importers, and the event’s partner restaurants. Training sessions are also organized in connection with the event.

How to get involved?

Completing a specialist vocational qualification for bartenders is not mandatory to be accepted as a member of FBSK. Other restaurant industry professionals who have two sponsors from FBSK can also apply for membership. A new student member completes a so-called active test within two years, which measures their skills and knowledge of FBSK. After passing the active test, they become a full member of the association.

So how do you apply for membership if you don’t know anyone from FBSK yet? Getting sponsors usually doesn’t become a problem; working in the industry and getting to know the activities help you get started. Someone from a regional chapter might already know or be aware of the applicant, and sponsors are often arranged through your own regional chapter when you boldly reach out, introduce yourself, and come to see the activities.

Chairperson Greta Grönholm encourages everyone interested in FBSK’s activities to boldly get in touch and come to see what they do. You can reach out via email or even through social media, such as Instagram, and arrange to attend a meeting as an observer. “Just be yourself and come take a look at our activities. Then think about whether this is for you. You have nothing to lose by getting to know people and the association,” Grönholm encourages.

FBSK wants to welcome everyone and offer support and pride in one’s profession through the entire community. “FBSK is also a good springboard for many things. Members who joined as novices have met people, networked, and, for example, found jobs through it. The world is small, and thanks to the contacts made, you don’t necessarily have to stay in Finland. It’s always easier and more pleasant when you know people and learn new things,” Sormunen and Grönholm state.

More information: greta@fbsk.fi