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

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