Technical-quality-npd

​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. ​

​On 25th March, Guy Moreton and I had the privilege of attending the Modern Slavery Intelligence Network (MSIN) Conference at Tesco's Head Office. MSIN is a pioneering non-profit collaboration within the UK’s food and agriculture sector. By collaborating and sharing ideas, MSIN members generate fresh insights and help to protect those most vulnerable to labour exploitation. The day was both eye-opening and thought-provoking, with discussions focused on the root causes of modern slavery, how it can be identified in businesses and supply chains, and the practical actions organisations can take to combat it. We also explored the role of AI and digital solutions in identifying and preventing exploitation in the sector. A standout moment was learning about the incredible work of Bright Future Co-op, which supports survivors in rebuilding their lives by helping them back into employment. Bright Future Co-operative has pioneered initiatives that provide survivors of modern slavery with not only immediate employment opportunities but also long-term support and integration. By partnering with ethical employers, Bright Future is helping survivors rebuild their lives and break the cycle of exploitation, ensuring they have the stability to thrive in a fairer food industry.Modern Slavery in the UK Food Industry: Causes, Identification and SolutionsModern slavery is a pervasive issue in the UK food industry, affecting workers across farming, fishing, food processing, and hospitality. The root causes of exploitation are complex but largely stem from the following factors:1. Low wages & the demand for cheap food: Exploration can occur from pressures to keep food prices low, particularly in supermarkets, to encourage cost-cutting practices. It provides an area for vulnerability and more susceptible to exploitation.2. Dependence on seasonal and migrant labour: The UK food industry, especially in areas like fruit picking and fishing, relies heavily on seasonal labour. The likes of temporary contracts, cash-in-hand payments or limited rights could encourage exploitation. 3. Hidden exploitation in supply chains: Modern slavery can occur deep within business supply chains, hidden from consumers and even some retailers. If faced with long hours, poor pay or coercive conditions, the fear of job loss may prevent them from reporting exploitation. Practical actions and strategies for businessesTo combat modern slavery effectively, we learnt that businesses in the UK food industry must take decisive action. 1. Strengthen Recruitment & Employment Practices. This can be done by ensuring contracts are fully understood, salaries are paid fairly and adhered to legal minimums with direct payment to the workers only. You can conduct check-ins to assess any signs of uncertainty and create a safe space environment, enabling them to feel safe about reporting exploitation, should they have to.2. Improve Supply Chain Transparency. Ensure all parties involved in the supply chain are officially recorded within the business, whilst ensuring all staff adhere to ethical practices. 3. Utilise AI. Tools such as data and predictive analytics can be used to monitor the risk factors and areas of concern before the exploitation occurs. It can be used as a preventive tool to proactively prevent the exploitation of workers. Modern slavery in the UK food industry is a deeply rooted issue, but businesses can make a real difference by adopting the right strategies. Strengthening recruitment practices, increasing supply chain transparency and harnessing the power of AI are essential steps in tackling exploitation. Furthermore, collaboration between businesses, governments, and ethical organisations is critical to ensure that every worker in the food industry is treated with dignity and respect.MSIN are looking for additional members to join this critical fight to protect vulnerable workers. If your business wants to be part of a movement that can truly change lives, please contactclaire.donovan@msin.org.uk for more details.​

Luan has officially been with MorePeople 13 years! Many of you know her for her expertise in Technical Recruitment, Luan answers 13 questions looking back over her 13 years of recruitment...​1. ​What’s been the biggest change in technical recruitment for the food industry over the past 13 years? Adaptability is key – The UK food / fresh produce sector faces constant shifts (regulations, consumer trends, supply chain issues), so hiring people who can evolve with this fast-paced industry is crucial. ​2. What’s one lesson I’ve learned that still guides me today? Life comes with its fair share of unpredictability. Some things are within your power to change, while others aren’t worth stressing over. Focusing on what you can influence usually leads to better decisions and less frustration. ​3. How has the industry evolved in terms of skills and qualifications needed? Experience can often outweigh formal education, especially in hands-on roles. The increasing demand for HACCP & Food Safety Qualifications aligns with the industry's growing focus on compliance and quality assurance. Retailer-specific requirements for customer-facing roles also highlight how tailored recruitment has become. ​4. What’s one piece of advice I’d give to someone just starting out in technical recruitment? Understand both the role and the industry inside out. Technical recruitment isn’t just about matching CVs to job descriptions—it requires a deep understanding of the skills, qualifications, and regulatory requirements specific to each role Building relationships with both clients and candidates helps bridge the gap between technical needs and cultural fit. ​5. What’s the most rewarding placement I’ve made, and why? Well as you can imagine I have done several placements over 13 years and it isn’t always about the fee (although that does help!) I think if people have been through a tough time for example being made redundant and are keen to find a role, it's always rewarding and they are so very grateful for the help and support you have given. ​6. How have candidate expectations changed over the years? Since COVID, candidates have become much more focused on hybrid and remote work options, and while these options were widely offered during the pandemic, it seems like many businesses are now reverting to office-based roles or removing hybrid work from contracts altogether. ​7. What role or project am I most proud of working on?I’m proud of all the roles I work, maybe the most challenging ones make me feel prouder, whether that’s down to the location or just a shortage of candidates in the current marketplace. ​8. What’s one challenge I’ve overcome that shaped my approach to recruitment?You are never going to fill 100% of the roles you work, they could go internally, be put on hold, have a direct applicant etc but as long as you have given it 110% you can’t do anymore. ​9. How has networking within the food industry evolved since I started?LinkedIn & Industry Platforms are used so much more now. More professionals and employers now connect via LinkedIn and sector-specific platforms, making online engagement just as important as in-person events. Virtual Events & Webinars: Since COVID-19, many industry conferences and networking events have moved partially or fully online, increasing accessibility but reducing face-to-face interactions. ​10. What trends do I predict will shape the next 13 years of recruitment? Looking ahead to the next 13 years, the shift toward experience and skills-based recruitment will accelerate, with more companies prioritising hands-on expertise over formal education. An ageing workforce, declining birth rates, and tighter immigration policies will all lead to skills shortages, especially in technical there is a lack of talent coming through. Companies may need to offer better incentives and invest in training more. ​11. What’s been the most surprising change in candidate demographics or skill sets? ​There has been a noticeable decline in candidates entering the food industry, as they feel it is long hours, shift work, cold environment and can be very stressful. ​12. What’s one thing that hasn’t changed at all in recruitment, despite industry evolution? One thing that hasn’t changed in recruitment, despite all the industry evolution, is the importance of human connection. No matter how much technology, AI, or data-driven processes have improved hiring, recruitment is still fundamentally about people hiring people. Employers want to connect with candidates who align with their company culture, and candidates want to feel valued, heard and understood. ​13. What motivates me to keep doing what I do after 13 years?After 13 years in recruitment within the food and fresh produce industry, my motivation comes from a combination of personal fulfilment, and the impact I have on both companies and candidates. Helping candidates find their ideal roles and assisting companies in securing top talent is a rewarding process. Over time, seeing the positive changes in people's careers and helping businesses grow through the right hires can fuel a sense of purpose, when candidates come back to you and are turned in clients because they enjoyed the process as a candidate. ​Want to catch up with Luan? Find her contact details here!

​At MorePeople, we’re always looking for ways to connect with emerging talent in the food industry. Our recent visit to the IFST Student LaunchPad at Campden BRI was a great opportunity to do just that. The event brought together students and industry professionals to share insights, ask questions, and explore career opportunities in the sector.A Room Full of Passionate Future TalentOne thing that stood out immediately was the sheer level of talent in the room. The students attending were not only knowledgeable but also incredibly curious about the industry and how to take their first steps into it. A key theme that emerged from our conversations was CV advice—many students had questions following Alex’s presentation on what to include in their CVs as graduates.The atmosphere at Campden BRI was buzzing with enthusiasm. There was a real sense of engagement, with students making the most of their opportunity to connect with industry professionals and ask meaningful questions.A First-Time Perspective: Adam’s TakeFor Adam, one of our team members who is new to both recruitment and the food industry, this was his first experience at an event like this. His biggest surprise? The number of attendees."I wasn’t expecting so many industry professionals and students to be there! It was great to see how engaged everyone was."Key Takeaways from Student ConversationsMany of our conversations revolved around CV-building and work experience. Students were particularly keen to understand the value of part-time jobs and placements—should they be included in a CV? The answer was a resounding yes!Even non-industry roles offer transferable skills that can be applied to technical roles in food production, quality assurance, and product development.Another common concern was how to secure placement opportunities—and whether not having one during a degree would negatively impact job prospects. The advice from industry professionals was clear:"Throw yourself at any opportunity you can get. Any experience is good experience, and it shows willingness, desire, and passion for the industry."The Value of Events Like ThisFor MorePeople, attending the IFST Student LaunchPad is about more than just giving advice—it’s about building connections with the next generation of food industry professionals. These events allow us to meet students face-to-face, understand their concerns, and demonstrate that we are committed to supporting the industry’s future talent.By staying engaged, we ensure that we remain well-informed and positioned as industry experts, helping both businesses and job seekers make the best career matches.Our Advice for Students Pursuing Technical RolesIf you’re a student looking to break into the food industry, our top piece of advice is simple:Take every opportunity you can. Whether it’s attending industry events like the IFST Student LaunchPad or securing work placements, all experience adds value.Use your experience to stand out. Even if your part-time job wasn’t in the food sector, think about the skills you gained—problem-solving, teamwork, communication—and how they apply to the roles you want.Be proactive and get involved. Engaging with industry professionals, asking questions, and networking will give you a head start in your career.We loved being part of the event, and we’re excited to see these students grow into the future leaders of the food industry. A big thank you to IFST and Campden BRI for hosting such a fantastic event!

2024 was a great year for the Technical Team, as you may have seen in our ‘Technical Wrapped’ we shared on LinkedIn. We ended the year on even more of a high by winning MorePeople’s Team of the Year!Our job specialisms span right across the full technical spectrum within Food and Fresh Produce, but in 2024 we saw the following the most;Quality auditorTechnical managerSustainability managerTechnologistQA managerNPD process technologistThe Technical Team at MorePeople has over 30 years combined experience, and they have recruited for all Technical and NPD positions (multiple times) over this period. Sustainability within the food and fresh produce sector has been a focus for several years. This has seen food and fresh produce businesses introduce teams dedicated to ensuring sustainable practices are followed all through their supply chain. This is probably why 2024 saw an increase MorePeople successfully placing several Sustainability Managers.   Our location hot spots for 2024 seemed to be East Anglia, Kent and East Midlands.East Anglia and Kent (The Garden of England) are 2 regions of the country that are synonymous with fresh produce and where several of our clients are based. The East Midlands is a region where a lot food manufacturing takes place and again where several MorePeople clients are based.  However we work across the whole of the UK with our candidate and client network spanning the whole of the UK, too!Now we’re settled into the new year we’ve seen an influx of opportunities from Chichester to Hull. Heres a a few of our newest roles this week, get in touch if you’d like us to find a perfect role for you!Techncial Director in Cambridgeshire >Technologist in Kent >Factory Techncial Manager in Yorkshire >Head of Technical Compliance in Ely >Compliance Manager in Chichester >QA in Spalding >

​We’re kicking off 2025 getting out and about networking as much as we can, making Q1 very busy indeed!13th February – The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers Technical ConferenceGuy and Luan atended to learn about ‘the use of data in the fruit industry’, chaired by the CEO of City Harvest, Sarah Calcutt. An insightful day with some fantastic speakers and topics! Luan comments "I really enjoyed attending The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers Technical Conference, where we gained valuable insights into data, AI, and their applications in the fruit industry. We learned how these technologies can help accurately predict and maximize yields while reducing input costs. Additionally, they can assist in forecasting and balancing seasonal fluctuations. The conference also covered the impact of data acquisition and showcased ongoing research in robotics for the soft fruit industry."21st February – IFST Student Launchpad – Campden BRIThe IFST hosts a number of Student Launchpad events for university students to learn more about grad careers in the food science and technical space, meet professionals working in the food sector and gain skills to help with their CV and interview techniques. MorePeople has been involved with these events for some years, after visiting Sheffield Hallam and Tesco Head Office last year, this February Alex and Adam attended Campden BRI to present on how to get your all-important first job, as well as mentor the students on working in the food industry.Adam comments; “What stood out the most during the event was the level of talent in the room, they were all curious and passionate about the industry and keen to learn anything they can. Key themes we were asked were mostly following on from Alex’s presentation around CV’s and what to put on CVS’s as a graduate.” You can read more about the event here17th March 2025 – IFE LondonOf course, everyone in the food industry is aware of or attending this event, and we’re no different! We’ll be there catching up with clients and candidatesAlex said “The International Food and Drink Event is an annual event that MorePeople has had a presence at for many years. It is a fantastic opportunity to see what new products will be hitting the shelves, listen to some interesting debates and catch up with or clients and colleagues in the food industry”. 26th March – MSIN ConferenceThe Modern Slavery Intelligence Network (MSIN) is a pioneering non-profit collaboration in the UK food and agriculture sector. The UK food supply chain is a high-risk sector for modern slavery and labour exploitation. Intelligence shared by MSIN members can generate new insights and protect those vulnerable to labour exploitation in the sector. Join the MSIN Conference on 26th March bringing together experts in the field to discuss how we ‘disrupt’ modern-day slavery and labour rights abuse in our businesses and supply chains. Delegates will be provided with thought-provoking speeches and panel discussions. Academics, policymakers, retailers, stakeholders and industry experts will share their insights covering various conference themes. Luan and Adam will be attending on the day. You can find out more here 7th April - FoodEx Manufacturing SolutionsA new one for MorePeople that we’re interested in attending. FoodEx Manufacturing Solutions provides a great chance to get under the skin of the food and drink processing, packaging and logistics industries. “FoodEx Manufacturing Solutions is an event that we are looking forward to attending in 2025. The list of exhibitors looks impressive, and it will be great to catch up with our clients in the food, packaging and logistics space whilst also continuing to learn more about the sector at the same time”.