
How the food additive industry can attract and retain talent
Understanding the Current Talent Landscape
Providing a wide range of products to the food industry, the food additives industry is a large and growing industry. Food Additives are added to food to improve its appearance, freshness, taste, texture, and safety. They are regulated by governments around the world and can be either natural or synthetic.
The global market for food additives was valued at $131.53 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $177.96 billion by 2028. Driving the food additives industry are several factors, including the growing demand for processed foods, the increasing popularity of convenience foods, the growing awareness of food safety issues, and the increasing demand for natural and organic foods.
The major players in this highly competitive industry are located in Europe, Asia, and the United States, and as food additives play a crucial role in the food chain, the industry is constantly in demand, meaning that it is a reliable source of employment. This demand for jobs will only increase as companies are constantly innovating to develop new products and improve existing products, as they will start to adapt the likes of nanotechnology and genetic engineering into their processes.
What are the recruitment challenges within the industry?
The food additive industry is facing challenges when it comes to attracting and retaining talent. One reason is that some job seekers have misconceptions about the industry. They believe that manufacturers are using harmful chemicals that can be dangerous, which can steer them away from applying. Another challenge is the competition over skilled talent in the industry, which makes it tough to attract and retain people with the skills and knowledge needed for the job.
Despite these challenges, companies are making progress in talent acquisition. Recruiting efforts have shifted towards a more diverse approach, which means companies are looking for different ways to attract talent, including partnering with universities and other industry associations. Companies are working to break down myths and misconceptions and using diverse recruiting methods to reach more talented individuals.
So what are the key factors in retaining talent in the Food Additives industry?
Offer competitive salaries and benefits
It might seem obvious, but it is still worth repeating. If you want to attract top talent, you must be able to offer a competitive salary and an appealing benefits package, you will not be able to attract or keep top talent without this. Try to think about how you can make your benefits package more appealing than your competitors, as this will help you stand out.
A Positive Work Environment
Candidates want to work in an environment that they will enjoy, feel valued, and respected, whilst being supported. Most candidates will do thorough research on their potential employers, so having a strong employee brand that promotes your positive work environment will be a big bonus to candidates.
Development Opportunities
People will want to develop and grow their careers, especially the top talent. Making sure you have clear progressive career paths and opportunities, with reachable targets and goals, will not only help you attract talent but make sure you keep and retain your current employees. Think about what courses or personal development you will be able to offer to your employees, as people will want to improve their skills and knowledge. Growing the company from within is always more efficient and a great way to build.
Make your company’s mission and values clear
Candidates will want to work for a company they believe in! If your company’s values and mission align with the candidates, you will have talent jumping at you for jobs. However, you must be transparent about this and want to make sure the company’s goals and beliefs are communicated clearly.
Showcase your Brand Image One of the primary ways to showcase your brand image to potential candidates is through your company’s social media channels. By leveraging social media to showcase your company culture and values, you can more effectively reach and engage with potential candidates. By incorporating diversity and inclusion in your recruitment efforts, you can ensure that your company values a range of perspectives and backgrounds, which is an important factor for many job seekers. Overall, by taking a data-driven approach to talent acquisition and focusing on building a strong employer brand, you can better attract and retain top talent in the food additive industry. Whether you are looking to recruit recent graduates or experienced professionals, a strong employer brand can provide a competitive advantage in the race for top talent.
In summary, attracting and retaining talent in the food additive industry is crucial for the success of any organisation. A strong employer brand, effective recruitment strategies, and a data-driven approach are key to ensuring top talent is hired and retained. Offering competitive compensation and benefits, providing professional development opportunities, and creating a positive work environment are among the ways to retain employees.
Make sure you are following Witan Search on Linkedin to stay up to date with the latest trends. We are always on hand if you are commencing a recruitment process.

We are always on hand to offer confidential non-obligation advice on recruitment within this sector. Reach out to Jack Ludford for expert advice on talent acquisition.
Email: Jack.Ludford@witansearch.com | Tel: +44(0) 1908 920 426