Food Job Blog: The inside track on Food Recruitment and Careers

With some of the doom and gloom we again here in the press, it is interesting that we have definitely still got a glass half full perspective.

As always at times like these, there are differing positions but we can only judge the situation on what we see and the facts we see in our trading.  

With the notable exception of Tesco - all retailers had reasonably positive trading in the run up to Christmas with like for like sales increasing.  Waitrose enjoyed good growth and Marks and Spencer overall sales were supported by their food sales.

Most of our retail, foodservice and manufacturing clients are positive about 2012 - recognising there is still a need for talent.  In fact, the first couple of weeks in the New Year have seen an increase in recruitment briefs into the business against last year.  

The vast majority of clients are telling us there is a need for real talent to support their plans for this year. So whilst the Public sector in particular takes a pounding with increases in unemployment, we predict the food and drink sectors will increase employee numbers this year.   

Stephen Jones
Director of Focus Management Consultants Ltd

First we had multi-colour carrots - red, yellow, white, purple (plus the standard orange) - and now red sprouts? Where will it end?!

The sprout is a widely accepted AND rejected vegetable in many households. Some love the taste of a sprout and couldn't imagine a Christmas dinner without it, whilst others will do everything in their power to avoid it.

For those who enjoy a sprout or two (and perhaps those who don't, but are likely to see sprouts on their table this Christmas regardless), should they be green, or is a 'festive red' sprout a welcomed twist or a traditional vegetable?

Please have a read of the article below taken from the FDiN website and let us know your thoughts!

The Co-operative, Asda an Marks and Spencer have all announced plans to launch festive Red Sprouts in time for the festive season.

The new variety of sprouts will add colour to the traditional British Christmas dinner plate, which is used to seeing green sprouts on plate - and aims to encourage shoppers to stick with the veg - known for being the least favoured part of a Christmas dinner.

The new Red Sprouts have the same taste as their conventional counterparts.

The red sprout stalks - which are rich in vitamin C - will be harvested by hand in the run up to Christmas, and will be introduced into stores nationwide.

The sprouts are sold on a central stalk rather than loose which helps the sprouts stay fresh, and means they can be stored in the fridge for over a week.

Siobhan Thornbury, vegetable buyer for The Co-operative, commented:

Red Sprouts have the same taste as their conventional counterparts
"We're really excited to be stocking these quirky sprouts this Christmas, which are similar in colour to red cabbage. Sprouts are very versatile and can be steamed, boiled, stir-fried or roasted, but my tip is to pan-fry the sliced red sprouts with butter, pancetta and black pepper for a posh twist to your Christmas dinner."

Dr Simon Coupe, an agronomist at M&S said:

"We've been working with our sprout producers for over 30 years and are really excited to be offering customers these striking red sprouts.

"They keep their vivid colour after cooking, so will be a great addition to the dinner plate."

Asda was first retailer to announce it's plans to stock the red sprouts commercially following trials in Cambridgeshire, where they are grown.

Asda produce buying manager Anne Spencer said:

"Sprouts are as traditional as Father Christmas and we sell millions of them every year.

"Whether you love them or hate them, they are one of the healthiest vegetables around so, for those who aren't so keen, we hope this exciting new variety, with its sweeter flavour, will encourage people to make them a festive favourite."

[Source]

After a very rewarding trip to Anuga with job briefs being taken from 4 countries - it does make you realise what a small world it is.

Last week I travelled from Belgium to Germany to France to the UK. What was noticeable, apart from the competence of all train companies (well done Virgin, you held your own against all of them!), was the fact that in every country Focus Management held the top spot in Google results page for the key search terms.  It's a good job really, as we have so many jobs in each country!

I have recently arrived in the USA, and am eager to see what's over here!

Stephen Jones

Ps anyone want tax free buying, technical or operations roles?

Now I'm no expert on such matters, but it does seem a bit confusing the tie thing. I know the fashion conscious are again tied up with small knots, tight trousers and 1980s hair.

If the train from Frankfurt to Cologne is anything to go by they are back... but most of the hair styles are comb-overs or grey. It's a judgement call just like when we are all faced with the casual day - is that jeans or slacks... whatever they are.

I thought we had ditched the tie a few years ago, but seemingly they and the suit are back. My advice? Wear them. As my Mum always tells me, it's always better to be smart than scruffy - a mantra I've struggled for years to live up to. However, if going for an interview for a job, I think it is still the safe bet.

Watching my beloved Wales beat a very good Irish team last weekend, my mind wandered to what New Zealand treats they might enjoy.

Clearly they are too sensible to do the English thing and go for the blonde or the pint, but I am perplexed what Kiwi foodie treats they might find... Lamb? Yeah right - thanks but I think our salt marsh lamb is probably better. Butter? - Think we got that one sorted as well. Kiwi fruit? That's original!

Seriously, what is the quintessential Kiwi food? Maybe the fact they haven't got one is why the New Zealand rugby team are so mean!

Stephen Jones

Brussels may well be full of Euro MPs worrying over Greek debt, but the Eurostar from London to Brussels was full of Marks and Spencer customers by the look of their bags.  Interesting, that even in these times of debt and worry, a fondant fancy still hits the mark.  Indeed, on the way to the station Jane Asher was talking about the increase in home baking, which is spot on for some of our clients.  So London, Brussels and now Cologne for Anuga, and back to London tonight - might fancy a fondant fancy myself by then!

I will keep you posted about Anuga - we have several client meetings and a number of IFR-A initiatives to get through... it will be a long but productive day.  What is apparent already is there doesn't seemto be much talk about recession here - everyone is talking positively about business - after all, we all have room and a Euro or two for the strawberry, lemon or chocolate mouth-full... And that's the thing all of us in the food industry need to keep in mind.

Stephen Jones

Stephen Jones, Director of Focus Management Consultants discusses his take on the economic climate in relation to the food and drink industry.

I have had a really exciting dialogue with a new client that is doubling in size every year, and this year has grown at 140% already - amazing! They operate out of Kuwait and I am looking forward to visiting this fascinating country to discover more and learn about the career opportunities on offer.

Specifically we are looking for purchasing professionals, but also NPD and technical specialists, who want to work in the retail focused operation. I believe these positions will deliver great career progression and offer an excellent quality of life and challenge - not to mention a tax free salary.

We have opportunities in Kuwait and Dubai and would be interested in talking to you about either. We are open to applications of relevant candidates from anywhere in the world. If this is of interest, please contact Stephen Jones stephen.jones@fmcl.co.uk or Sally Galloway sally.galloway@fmcl.co.uk.

Click here for more information on food jobs in Kuwait.

The Tesco store round the corner from my house has just started stocking 'milk bags'. I know Waitrose have trialled these last year and Sainsbury's were the first in the UK to introduce the milk bag and jug concept back in 2008.

The concept has actually been used in Germany for a number of years. Quite surprising it's taken some time to come over to the UK, but I guess that comes from differences in cultures and buying styles, but also as I expect the shift in packaging has required significant investments from milk producers/bottlers, who will have had to invest in new machinery and new materials.

It's not only Germany who has adopted this concept. A list of countries who have been using milk bags include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Nicaragua, Honduras, China, Colombia, Estonia, Hungary, India, Iran, Israel, Montenegro, Poland, South Africa and Uruguay.

I think the idea is good, and at the introductory price I guess it's a bit of a bargain, and you get the added feel good factor that you are somewhere along the line helping the environment. Is slightly odd though, as where I live we are able to recycle plastic milk bottles, however you can't recycle plastic bags - so in theory the packaging has been reduced but now goes in the bin instead of all in the recycling? I guess there must be some logic somewhere along the line.

If we compare this to Kenco, who introduced their low packaging coffee bags a few years ago. I personally think this is a great idea, however it puts me off buying it when you pay more for a bag of coffee that you do for a larger amount of coffee in a glass jar. Whilst the goal is to reduce packaging, surely some of the cost savings should be passed on to the consumer? As many still feel the pinch from the 'credit crunch' and from Government cut backs, how can they be expected to pay out extra for a low packaging product?

As the government continues to make savings across public sector employment, thousands of ex-public sector people become job seekers.

The government is hoping that a boom in the private sector that will employ many of the staff previously working in the public sector, but is that the only issue? Are people who have previously worked in the public sector ready for a jump to private sector?

Deborah Meaden, entrepreneur and Dragon's Den star, is one of the business people helping ex-public sector employees find employment in the private sector.

Tip #1: DON'T DELAY

Following redundancy, many people will tend to delay job hunting, wallowing on the past. This should be avoided - it is bad for you and is bad for your CV.

Be proactive, plan ahead, and get moving.

Tip #2: TAILOR YOUR EFFORTS

Invest time and effort into your CV. It might be a while since you last used it - you may not even have a CV, but it needs every ounce of your effort. If your CV isn't perfect, you're giving yourself a disadvantage from the off.

Realise that you are applying for jobs in the private sector now, and tailor your CV for that sector.

Don't dwell on the past, don't dwell on the public sector. Revamp your CV, apply your skills and illustrate how you can apply them to the private sector too, and you'll stand a much better chance of getting an interview.

Tip #3: BE FLEXIBLE

Your first job in the private sector might not be your dream job. It takes time to find the right job, and to move into a position, which is ideal for you. Your first role might not be perfect, but get used to this as if you manage to secure a private sector job, you'll be a lot better off than many who still won't have any employment or income.

Getting straight into a new job, even if it's not ideal, prevents you from getting stuck into a routine of not working - which can have disastrous affects for any future employment.

Any form of work looks better than no work - and employers will recognise this and will see your desire to work and your ability to be flexible.

Tip #4: GET TALKING

Talking, networking - call it what you will but you'll be surprised at how many people secure new roles and opportunities through networking with peers, friends, and colleagues.

Don't be afraid to recognise your strengths - if you're good at something, tell people that you are - be careful not to be arrogant about it though. Just be aware of your strengths and if you see an opportunity where you can add value through your skills, don't hesitate to put your name forward.

Tip #5: ATTITUDE MATTERS MORE THAN AGE

Ensure your attitude gives off the correct image - you're a passionate individual, who wants to continue their career into the future. You want an opportunity with career prospects that will allow you to progress. You don't want a job that will see you through the next year until you can retire - employers will not be attracted to job seekers who exhibit this attitude.

Tip #6: RISE TO THE CHALLENGE

So you've been made redundant. If ever there was cause to take a deep breath and throw everything you've got at getting a new job, it was that. You never know, it might be the lucky break you were looking for, and being made redundant could be the best thing that ever happened to you.

You've got nothing to loose, so give it your all.