Talent pain

The food and drink manufacturing industry has a major talent problem. The issue – a chronic shortage of people and talent – results in companies scaling back production and reduced quality of produce; delivery delays; increased pressure on staff; and reduced growth and investment.

This leaves companies investing heavily just to retain and recruit staff while at the same time contemplating a future with potentially fewer people and increasing levels of automation.

Not to mention, the potential rise in costs that this shortage then passes along the supply chain to the consumer.

Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet to solve the workforce crisis. Given the complexity and size of this problem, we will need multiple solutions – most centre around immigration, education, better wages, and technology.

IGD foresight indicates that the workforce issue is poised to worsen if proactive steps are not made to solve the ticking workforce timebomb.

In recognition of this, IGD’s cross industry initiative: ‘Mmmake Your Mark’ is returning for 2025, to attract talent by raising awareness of the breadth of diverse career opportunities available across the food system.

This will be a significant move in attracting talent. 

The food and industry industry today often has an image problem, especially for young people, and particularly of the knowledge of the wealth of jobs available.

We need to change this and make the industry cool again. 

In the past few years, companies have increased their investments in upskilling and reskilling. Since the lifespan of a certain job will shrink, companies will need inevitably to take even more responsibility on training their employees. 

It’s obvious that we need faster technology adoption and heavily invest in automation if the worst-case scenario plays out. 

But, every crisis is also a chance and there are solutions. We don’t have any other option than to act now — and with the full backing of the industry.

• Rodney Jack, editor, Food & Drink Technology.
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