2025 Recruitment Trends in the Food & Beverage Industry

December 16, 2024 in Career and Job Search Tips, HR Best Practices

 

Laurie Hyllberg

Laurie champions Kinsa Group’s position as the top food and beverage recruiting firm in the nation and its presence in the global FMCG marketplace. To her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Business Management, and Marketing she adds over 20 years of executive search experience in the food and beverage industry at Kinsa. Building a network of executives and professionals through membership in the Women’s Foodservice Forum, Institute of Food Technologists, FaB Wisconsin, Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network, and maintaining professional expertise in recruiting as an Executive Board Member for the Recruiters Of Wisconsin association, Laurie is able to connect top talent in the food industry with food and beverage processors and foodservice providers growing their teams at the C-Suite, VP, Director, and Management level. Connect with Laurie today!

 

The food and beverage industry expects several things in 2025 including:

  • continued growth in plant-based food options as meat and dairy substitutes,
  • convenience and hand-held food categories to grow,
  • social media to influence new and unique flavors and tastes, and
  • consumption of products for greater well-being–whether that be digestive health or sobriety (with mocktails and alcohol-free spirits) for example.

As we approach 2025, recruitment trends within the food and beverage sector are expected as well. Both companies and job seekers will need to adeptly navigate new developments to remain competitive. With the increasing infusion of artificial intelligence into recruitment processes, the emphasis on sustainability, and the shifting expectations of the workforce, there are numerous opportunities and challenges on the horizon.

Here are 5 recruitment trends Kinsa Group sees for the food and beverage industry in 2025:

1. Harnessing Artificial Intelligence

In 2025, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into job search, recruitment, and interviewing processes will not just be a trend—it’s set to become a transformative catalyst reshaping how food and beverage enterprises discover, engage, and secure talent.

  • AI-driven platforms streamline hiring by automating initial resume screenings, evaluating candidate compatibility, and coordinating preliminary interviews. This automation substantially reduces hiring timelines, enabling companies to concentrate on strategic decision-making rather than administrative chores.
  • For job seekers, AI can help you prepare for interviews by providing resumes, cover letters, and interview prompts that assist in matching your resume with a job description.

2. Leveraging Sustainability as a Recruitment Tool

With growing consumer consciousness around environmental concerns, there is increasing impetus for sustainability within the food and beverage sector. Candidates, especially Millennials and Generation Z, often make career decisions aligned with their personal values. Companies prioritizing sustainability in their operations and values gain a competitive edge in attracting these job seekers.

For example, a food processor that adopts eco-friendly practices—such as water conservation or renewable energy usage—can differentiate itself from competitors. By highlighting their sustainability commitments in job postings and during interviews, companies not only adhere to regulatory standards but also appeal to candidates passionate about environmental stewardship.

3. Adapting to Remote Work Expectations

Remote work has shifted from being a pandemic necessity to a coveted benefit for many professionals within the food and beverage sector. This shift necessitates adaptations in how businesses approach recruitment and retention strategies. To effectively manage a remote workforce, employers must invest in digital collaboration and communication tools, such as project management platforms and virtual meeting software.

Take, for example, a frozen food processor that broadens its talent pool beyond geographical confines by hiring a Director of Technical Services to work remotely and travel 50% of the time to multiple operating facilities across the Western USA. Offering flexible work arrangements, rather than a corporate office-based position, attracts a more extensive range of candidates and enhances employee satisfaction as well as minimizes turnover. [Read our blog post on How Employers Can Benefit from Having Remote Employees.]

4. Cultivating a Culture Aligned with Generation Z Values

According to Forbes, Gen-Z is expected to comprise nearly 30% of the workforce by 2025. Generation Z brings expectations for meaningful work, digital proficiency, and social responsibility. Companies must reassess their cultural frameworks to align with these values.

Creating initiatives that resonate with Gen Z, such as social impact projects or transparency in business practices, positions employers as forward-thinking and socially aware. These efforts not only attract Gen Z talent but also invigorate the existing workforce, reinforcing a sense of community and purpose.

5. Enhancing Engagement through Employee Experience

Engagement and retention are pivotal components of any successful recruitment strategy. Businesses prioritizing employee experience witness higher satisfaction and loyalty, leading to reduced turnover rates. Small businesses can capitalize on this by offering personalized career development paths, recognition programs, and wellness initiatives.

A beverage start-up investing in personal development workshops and mental health resources can foster a supportive environment, boosting morale and productivity. Championing employee experience enables companies to cultivate a dedicated workforce that contributes positively to company culture and bottom-line outcomes.

[Looking for more recruitment strategies? Read our blog post on Cost-Effective Strategies for Executive Recruitment.]

As the food and beverage industry evolves, so too must our recruitment strategies. By embracing trends such as AI, sustainability, culture, and remote work, businesses can attract the right talent while positioning themselves for sustainable growth and innovation. Companies, regardless of size, have the opportunity to revolutionize their recruitment efforts, building a workforce that is adaptable, skilled, and aligned with your strategic plan for the future.

Get Expert Recruitment Support from Kinsa Group

As we enter the new year, the food and beverage industry continues to evolve with new trends and opportunities. Whether you’re a business seeking top talent or a job seeker looking to stay ahead, Kinsa Group is here to help.

With 40 years of expertise in the food and beverage sector, we provide tailored recruitment solutions to navigate these changes. Contact us today to explore how we can support your hiring needs and drive growth in this dynamic industry.

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