Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the Festival of Fresh – a standout event in the fresh produce calendar that brings together the best of innovation, sustainability, and technical excellence across the sector. Hosted in a buzzing and collaborative environment, the festival offered more than just good coffee and name badges — it provided genuine insight into where the industry is heading and the evolving demands on technical professionals.
As someone working in technical recruitment within the fresh produce sector, this event was too good to miss. I was keen to deepen my understanding of the technical challenges our clients and candidates face and stay ahead of the trends shaping tomorrow’s workforce. Plus, it’s always great to put faces to the names and voices we speak to day in and day out.
This was my first time attending the Festival of Fresh, and I was expecting a mix of thought-provoking panel discussions, networking opportunities, and practical insights into topics like food safety, sustainability, and innovation. The event delivered on all fronts — and then some.
Highlights from the Day
One major highlight was the site tour of Worldwide Fruit. It was my first time inside a fresh produce site, and the experience gave me a great understanding of the environments and technologies that shape the roles we recruit for. Their advanced ripening facilities were particularly impressive — seeing innovation in action adds a whole new layer of context to the job specs we see every day.
Another standout topic was the use of AI and machine learning in quality control. Technologies like visual grading systems for fruit are changing the game — and redefining what skills technical teams will need moving forward.
Takeaways for Technical Recruitment
A key theme that emerged was the broadening scope of technical roles. It's not just about QA or compliance anymore. Employers are looking for candidates who can bridge the gap between food safety, sustainability, and consumer trends. This means a rising demand for adaptable, digitally-savvy professionals with cross-functional insight.
Some of the most pressing challenges discussed included labour shortages and the age gap in technical teams, with fewer young professionals entering the sector. It’s clear that candidates who can bring automation experience or are comfortable with digital QA systems will have a significant edge in the market.
Beyond the sessions and site tours, it was beneficial to have real conversations with industry professionals — both clients and candidates. We covered everything from hiring challenges to the ongoing shift from remote to office-based work post-COVID. Events like this remind you how valuable face-to-face interaction is in building long-term relationships and uncovering the nuances behind a company’s hiring needs.
My biggest learning? The technical space is evolving fast. It’s no longer just about doing things right; it’s about doing things better, faster, and more sustainably. Innovation and accountability are becoming core pillars of every technical function.
Attending the Festival of Fresh has made me more informed and confident in the conversations I have daily. It’s helped shape my understanding of what “future-ready” candidates look like and how we can adapt our sourcing and advisory approach to support our clients more strategically.
Since returning, I’ve started reviewing our candidate screening process to better assess how adaptable and forward-thinking candidates are — especially around tech and sustainability. I’ll also be following up with several new contacts from the event to explore potential partnerships and upcoming roles.
If you’re a recruiter or industry professional considering going next year, I can’t recommend it enough. The insights you’ll gain go far beyond job specs and industry reports. It’s a real-time pulse check on the sector — and one of the best ways to stay aligned with the challenges and opportunities our clients and candidates are navigating.
