Closing the gender gap

The food and drink industry is currently navigating a complex talent landscape. As the sector becomes increasingly high-tech, the competition for skilled professionals has never been more intense.

Against this backdrop, the new international partnership between global food safety specialist Kersia and Meat Business Women (MBW) is a welcome addition to the industry’s recruitment toolkit.

Historically, the middle and upper tiers of the food supply chain have suffered from a “talent leak,” where capable women enter the industry but exit before reaching leadership roles due to a lack of visible pathways or mentorship.

By offering structured development opportunities and leadership masterclasses across 120 countries, Kersia is effectively building a “retention engine.” For prospective employees, a company that invests in a formal partnership for career progression is a much more attractive prospect than one that offers vague promises of inclusion.

Today’s recruits prioritise values as much as salary. They seek employers who demonstrate a tangible commitment to ESG goals. By backing MBW’s ‘Food Business Charter’ — which aims for 40% female representation by 2035 — Kersia is signalling to the talent market that it is a forward-thinking, mission-driven employer. This makes the brand a magnet for purpose-led professionals who want to work for a company that reflects the diversity of the global population it serves.

Food safety is a “noble cause,” as Kersia UK MD Andrew Downie notes, but it is also a technical one. By fostering female talent in commercial, technical, and operational roles, Kersia is expanding its high-level expertise.

Diversity of thought leads to better problem-solving in sterile environments and laboratories. In a field where precision is everything, having a robust, diverse leadership team ensures that the company remains a brand leader in innovation.

For the wider trade, Kersia’s move sets a benchmark. It proves that the ancillary sectors of the food industry — the hygiene specialists and technical partners — are essential to making the entire supply chain an inclusive place to work. This partnership isn’t just about gender; it’s about building a more resilient, professional, and attractive industry for everyone.

• Rodney Jack, editor, Food & Drink Technology. Keep in touch via email: [email protected] X: @foodanddrinktec or LinkedIn: Food & Drink Technology magazine.