Yes! Packaged food is a good career path. By the time you’ve finished reading this article, I can almost guarantee that you’ll be looking for a job in the food sector.
The food industry is a large one that has been developing since humans first discovered food (and will keep evolving as long as humans will be eating, hopefully, not robots).
In the early ages, people would keep their food safe by traditional methods-which were much more time-consuming, and also required more manpower.
But, in today’s world, food industries have modernized with time and packaged foods are the MAIN and ESSENTIAL aspect of these industries.
As we all are already aware of the increase in the world population-everyone’s lives are getting busier day by day. So, for their ease, packaged food is the best option.
If you have interest in food manufacturing and packaging then this IS the career for you. Although, it’s a high-paying field; your passion is the key!
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What Is Food Packaging?
As a means of preventing tampering or contamination from physical, chemical, and biological causes, food packaging involves enclosing the food.
Food will always be a necessity in our culture, hence the demand for packaged goods is always very high.
The packaged foods industry is in charge of making sure that all the food we consume is fresh, therefore working there may be very fulfilling.
We can also say that food packaging is a science of making materials look attractive to the consumer, at the same time, keeping the food fresh and easy to eat.
How Big Is The Food Packaging Industry?
As the population of the world is increasing- the intake of food is increasing accordingly. As a result, the food sector is expanding every day.
The food industry is known to be the second most biggest industry in the world, right now.
According to the researches,
The global packaged food market size was valued at USD 1,925.7 Billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 3,407.2 Billion by 2030, registering a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from forecast period 2021 to 2030.
“The sales value of organic food products amounted to approximately 1.25 billion U.S. dollars, and was forecast to reach around 1.38 billion dollars by 2023.”
What Skills You Must Have To Excel In The Food Industry?
You surely are totally into food related fields, since you’ve reached till here. But not everything depends on your interest in this path-you must acquire certain skills to make your mark in this industry.
Skills are not something you’ll be gifted by god (yea, sometimes it is though), you can enhance your skills by training and taking practice sessions.
- You should be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
- You must be a good observer and pay attention to every detail.
- Get hold of great mechanical skills.
- Possess dexterity (a skill or grace when doing actions, especially using your hands and body).
What Are The Qualifications For The Food Industry?
As with every employment, you must unquestionably study. The thing is, when you’re passionate about something, you never consider how difficult the journey is and only focus on how lovely and fulfilling the outcome will be.
Although having expertise is most important in the packaged food industry, BUT having a professional qualification in something provides you a competitive advantage.
Food industry also demands certain qualifications.
- High school diploma Yes! Some food industries hire employees just with their high school diploma. It is awesome if you’re someone who’s just stepping into their first career.
- Associate degree/postsecondary certificate in management, business, food service, or hospitality may be required for the position of manager or assistant manager.
- Having an MBA or a bachelor’s degree may be required for regional managers and executive-level workers.
- Training certification is very important. As everything in the food industry depends on one’s experience.
What Are The Best Job Options For You In The Food Packaging Industry?
Are you excited to know how many job options there are in the food industry? Maybe, you could find one of your likings in the list of Jobs we provided and who knows? Most likely, you’ll be starting your career with it! That sounds good, right?
1.Baker
A baker is the one who prepares and develops baked goods to add to the Industry menu. They may also decorate various pies, cakes, pastries and many other dishes.
Qualifications:
Although, baker doesn’t need any degree to get the job, they must have 5-8 years of experience and a training certificate of 1-3 years.
Salary:
A baker’s average salary is $35,121 annually.
2.Food Taster
A food taster is a member of the quality control team whose duties include evaluating food products for their look, smell, flavor, and ingredient quality.
Qualification:
If you want to get employed as a food taster, then you should have a degree in food science and training certificate.
Salary
Average salary of a food taster is $36,136 annually.
3.Cake Decorator
A cake decorator designs cakes using ornamental components like frosting, flowers, or portraits. They also create various styles for special themes.
Qualification:
A particular degree is not necessary to be a cake decorator, But training and experience of 5 years.
Salary:
An average salary of a cake decorator is $19 per hour.
4. Packaging Procurement Manager
The duties of procurement manager include developing plans to locate suppliers and deals that are affordable.
It is the procurement manager’s responsibility to find the cost-effective procurement strategies so that the business may make investments in growth.
Qualification:
An advantage would come from holding a bachelor’s degree. Should develop analytical and project management abilities.
Salary:
Average salary would be $95,188 annually.
5. Food Manager
A food Manager is responsible for both long-term and ongoing management of his department.
To operate a successful industry, they collaborate with cooks, suppliers, and other staff members.
Qualification:
Must have a high school diploma and at least 5 to 6 years of training experience.
Salary:
Average salary of a food manager is $75,539 annually.
6. Food Safety Director
The duty of a food Safety Director in a food industry is to look after the safety and health measures related to food, and also keep an eye on employees to check if they’re following all the rules of the industry.
Qualification:
A certificate in food safety, 3 to 4 years’ work experience, and sound decision-making abilities.
Salary:
Average salary is $13,60 per hour.
7. Packaging Developer
Packaging developers spend their work creating packaging systems and designing package components for both new and old products.
Creating project schedules, pricing the packaging and verifying that it is consistent with production procedures are all necessary steps in this process.
Qualification:
Possess a bachelor’s degree in packaging design, along with strong communication and writing skills.
Salary:
Average salary is $84,681 annually.
There are many other careers in the food sector, but these are my favorites.
Should You Choose Packaged Food As A Career?
Depending on your interests, existing talents, and desired career path, you can choose to work in food handling, extraction, elaboration, preservation, or packaging in the packaged foods business. If you love food and have creativity coursing through your veins, packaged goods are a terrific career choice.