 Food is big business in New Zealand.
The food and beverage sector dominates the New Zealand economy, with 30,000 companies, direct or indirect employment of one in five kiwis, and exports to 180 countries. It generates $15 billion annually, over half of the country's export earnings from merchandise trade.
(Food & Beverage Taskforce report, "Smart Food; Cool Beverage", August 2006).
According to a recent Massey University study, value-added food and beverage exports made up 54 per cent of our total food exports in 2004.
'Adding value' to food is the job of the food technologist ...
What is Food Science and Technology?
Food Science is the study of the sciences as they apply to the food that we eat. Food Scientists investigate the sensory and nutritional properties of food as well as post-harvest handling, preservation and storage.
Food Technology is the use of science and engineering to develop and process food products which are safe to eat, nutritious and appealing to consumers.
What do Food Scientists and Technologists do?
Food Scientists and Technologists are employed in a variety of roles within the food industry:
 Determining market needs.
Developing new products to meet these needs.
Establishing quality control systems to maintain food safety and consistent quality.
Virtually every food item you see in the supermarket will have had an input from a Food Scientist and/or Technologist during its development.
Read about some interesting careers in food technology at NZIFST Careers.
See the range of employers currently looking for food technologists at NZIFST Employment.
Food is big business...
The food that you eat and the beverages you drink:
from a quick snack to the most lavish dinner
from a glass of milk to a spectacular cocktail
all that fresh, frozen and packaged food on your supermarket's shelves.
It all goes to make New Zealand's biggest business sector, the food industry.
... and growing!
Food Scientists and Technologists are key people in the food industry.
To remain competitive in local and international markets, new processes and products must continually be developed. Food Scientists and Technologists operate in a commercial environment to fulfill this market need. Their specific skills are in demand as the industry grows and moves towards more specialised products.
As well as requiring technical skills, their work may include business development, marketing and management. The work is varied, stimulating, challenging and offers excellent career prospects.
Why choose a career in the food industry?
There are many reasons why job prospects will continue to be good for Food Scientists and Technologists:
Food is an essential ingredient for life. People must eat!
Consumers are demanding more variety, convenience and novel foods
There is an increasing awareness of the health and nutritional value of foods
Environmental concerns demand changes in food production and processes.
The food industry is New Zealand's largest business sector and vitally important to the economy.
What should I be studying now?
Most courses require students to have studied mathematics and basic sciences - biology, chemistry and physics - to senior secondary school level.
Specific course options and requirements are set out here.
 Back to the top
|
