From the field to the final product, Europe's agrifood sector runs on people: farmers, food scientists, machine operators, laboratory technicians, engineers, regulatory experts. The flavour industry is a vital part of that chain, with its own universe of skilled professionals who bring taste to the plate: flavourists, sensory experts, sourcing specialists, production and quality teams.
Building the next generation of that talent was the conversation on the table in Brussels earlier this week. EFFA joined more than 80 participants at the Agrifood Pact for Skills annual event, hosted by FoodDrinkEurope and COPA COGECA. The session brought together voices from DG GROW, DG AGRI and DG EMPL alongside industry and academic speakers, to explore how EU strategies, public-private cooperation and the Union of Skills can strengthen Europe's agrifood talent pipeline.
To our flavour industry colleagues: the Pact's supporting platform is where the commitment becomes practical. The website offers a searchable database of EU, national and regional funding opportunities for upskilling and reskilling. A concrete toolkit to help attract, train and retain the talent our sector needs: well worth a visit on the Pact for Skills website.
To young professionals and students wondering where to go next: the European flavour industry is dynamic, creative and deeply innovative. It sits where science, craft and culture meet. On the EFFA website, our national associations share everything you need to know about career pathways, what to study, and how to get started: see A career in the flavour industry.