How to Build a Career in the European Food Industry as an International Professional ?
- Srishti Khurana
- Oct 24
- 4 min read
Building a career in the food industry, especially as an international candidate comes with both opportunities and challenges. During our recent Engagement Session, we heard from four professionals with diverse backgrounds who shared their journeys, insights, and practical advice on navigating the global food job market.
From Fortified Foods to Start-Ups: Diverse Career Journeys
Our first panelist was Michiel Dekkers, Director at DUPP Food Recruitment. Michiel brings deep expertise in recruiting for high-impact roles across the food industry, ranging from R&D and Quality Assurance to Executive Management. His insights offered a valuable recruiter’s perspective on what companies are truly looking for, how hiring decisions are made, and how international candidates can better position themselves in the European job market.
Mridul Kathed currently works as a Technical Product Manager at BioAnalyt overseeing markets across Africa and Asia, spanning more than 90 countries. His work focuses on fortified food products that aim to curb hidden hunger and micronutrient deficiencies, an inspiring example of how the food industry can directly impact global health and nutrition.
Mariano Di Rubbo, Regulatory Head at michroma is originally from Argentina. He shared his journey of joining a start-up developing novel natural ingredients. A true jack of all trades, he gained hands-on experience across multiple roles and later participated in an acceleration program in San Francisco. For him, start-ups are an incredible space to learn fast, adapt quickly, and discover what you truly enjoy doing.
Gabriel Ribeiro Oliveira, from Brazil, began his professional path with his thesis at Cargill. He has steadily grown within the company from research scientist to research engineer, now working at the pilot plant to scale up processes and conduct industrial trials. His journey reflects how early experiences and consistent learning can lead to meaningful long-term growth in large organizations.
Understanding the European Job Market: International vs. Local
The discussion revealed that international candidates often face a distinct set of challenges when applying to European companies:
Language matters – In smaller Dutch companies, speaking Dutch can be a key advantage. However, if a job ad is in English, it’s generally a sign that the company is open to international applicants.
Hiring complexities – Sponsorship costs, higher salary expectations, and concerns about cultural fit can make companies hesitant to hire international candidates.
Traditional mindsets – The food industry remains quite conservative, and many organizations are reluctant to change established processes or take risks on unfamiliar profiles.
Still, Michiel emphasized that the right mix of specialized skills, clear motivation, and cultural adaptability can make international candidates highly attractive to employers.
Positioning Yourself as an Asset
So how can you stand out as a candidate? The speakers shared a few key strategies:
Network with intention – Attend industry events, connect with professionals, and build trust over time. As Mridul noted, “People need to see what you do and get to know you.”
Seek diverse experiences early – Even small internships or side projects can shape your skillset and career direction.
Stay self-aware – As Mariano put it, “You learn what you like by trying everything and ruling out what you don’t.”
Skills, Motivation, and Cultural Fit
For non-EU candidates, relevant experience is essential. The food industry values specialization, for example, expertise in fermentation, ingredients, or processing can help you stand out far more than general technical skills.
The panel encouraged candidates to:
Be structured and focused in their job search.
Craft customized motivation letters that link personal goals with company objectives.
Continuously evaluate their strengths and impact to understand how they can add value.
Michiel noted that many employers pay close attention to motivation letters, not for their length, but for the clarity they bring. “A motivation letter that connects your skills with the company’s mission shows measurable effort and genuine interest,” he shared.
Choosing the Right Job
Before applying, research the company thoroughly, especially its culture. Even if you’re technically qualified, the right cultural fit can make or break your experience. Talk to alumni, ask questions about day-to-day work, and be honest about your own preferences.
Mariano recommended exploring start-ups early in one’s career:
“In a start-up, you do everything. You quickly find what you like and what you don’t. Once you know yourself, your career path becomes clearer.”
Navigating Recruiters and Applications
Michiel provided invaluable guidance on working with recruiters and applying effectively:
Know your recruiter – Make sure they understand your technical field and are in a position to help.
Keep your CV concise – Many recruiters only skim motivation letters; ensure your CV highlights the essentials.
Apply directly when possible – Reaching out to hiring managers or HR directly can increase the likelihood that your profile gets seen.
Personalize your application – Tailor your CV and motivation letter for both the technical reader and the HR perspective.
Networking: The Power of Connection
All panelists agreed in-person networking is invaluable. Attending roundtables, conferences, or local meetups can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Gabriel reflected on how casual conversations at work often led to collaborations and new opportunities:
“Every person you talk to teaches you something. Sometimes, that one conversation leads to your next big step.”
Asking the Right Questions
Curiosity drives growth. Ask professionals about:
The skills that helped them stand out.
How they transitioned into niche areas like precision fermentation.
What keeps them motivated in their roles.
Many experts start in traditional roles and later move into cutting-edge fields and most companies are open to training the right person who shows motivation and adaptability.
Closing Thoughts
Breaking into the food industry, especially in Europe as an international professional requires persistence, self-awareness, and an openness to learn. Whether it’s through start-ups, research, or recruitment, our speakers’ journeys highlighted one common theme: every experience counts.
The key takeaway? Be curious. Be intentional. And most importantly, be yourself because the right opportunity often finds those who are truly ready for it.
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