The food industry, also known as the food and beverage industry, is the most important industrial sector in Europe with an annual turnover of 900 billion euros. Almost 300,000 companies employ over four million people. The industry thrives on export and competition. Development is very fast-moving and competition is high.
Despite some food scandals that keep popping up, the manufacturers’ efforts in terms of quality and sustainability are very high. Not least because consumers are demanding more and more and it is essential for the economic sustainability of a company. No other industry is subject to such strict and varied requirements as the food industry. In order to maintain security and competitiveness chef.
Such a complex branch of the industry includes a large number of different fields of activity. The diverse areas of work range from artisan baking to food inspection and food technology. The classic job titles are baker, butcher, and confectioner. The focus here is on craftsmanship and the training usually lasts two years.
Always pay attention to hygiene and careful handling of the food. There is also the opportunity to become self-employed with the trades you have learned.
In addition to the craft, every operation in the food industry requires the use of merchants who run the company and market the products. The training as an industrial or office clerk helps you with this for the business management of marketing, accounting, purchasing, and much more.
In order to ensure a smooth production chain in food companies, the special skills of a food technician need. This specialist is responsible for checking the quality and for the technical flow of the manufacturing process. In doing so, he has to check the raw materials, set up the appropriate machines, and strictly monitor recipes. The food technician uses in large and small companies, as well as in agriculture.
The training period is three years. In large companies, the areas of responsibility are further subdivided and certain tasks can only be carried out after completing a degree in food technology. The food chemist is responsible for the analysis of food. In addition to his work in companies, he often acts as an expert in court. With his wide-ranging knowledge of microbiology, food technology, and botany, he can contribute to the clarification of any violations by the manufacturer.
Wherever there is a lot of money, there are attempts to create even more money. Food inspectors are required to ensure that the food industry produces responsibly and that consumers retain their trust. In order to gain access to this profession, certain conditions must be met.
In principle, it is necessary to pass the master craftsman’s examination in the food trade. Certain academic degrees, such as that of a food technologist, also grant admission to retraining as a food inspector. In order to ensure compliance with hygiene regulations and the use of approved ingredients, the candidates must undergo retraining.
The focus here is on legal theory. Special laws, legal basics of food production, as well as knowledge of parasitology and microbiology, are part of the two-year training. With the successful completion of the retraining, it is possible to work as a state-certified and recognized inspector for the food industry.
