Food Technologist
Food technologists research, develop and improve food and drink products. They may also be involved in the processing, packaging, storage and safety of food to meet government and industry standards.
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Pay per yearGraduate Senior |
Job opportunitiesGood |
What you'll do
Food technologists may do some or all of the following:
- develop new or improve current food and drinks
- make test samples of food products and conduct trials
- source and select ingredients for food products
- manage or supervise development and production of food and drinks
- improve efficiency of manufacturing processes
- develop new or improve current food packaging
- ensure food products meet specifications and standards (quality assurance)
- investigate the nutritional properties of foods.
Entry requirements
You need a qualification to become a food technologist and experience may be useful.
You need:
- a bachelor's degree in science majoring in food technology, food science or similar area.
You may need:
- a Bachelor of Food Technology (Honours)
- a Postgraduate Diploma in Food Technology
- a master's degree in food science, food innovation or similar area
- experience in similar work
- to be a member of The New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology.
For more information about your study options see: Areas of specialisation: Food, Wine and Beer
Personal requirements
Food technologists need to be:
- accurate
- patient and persistent
- able to work well under pressure
- good at problem solving
- good at planning and organising.
What are the chances of getting a job?
Chances of getting a job as a food technologist are good due to a shortage of workers and increasing demand for their services.
Some large food technology companies may have graduate recruitment programmes. Employers prefer graduates with broader qualifications that include some process engineering, rather than just food science.
A postgraduate diploma can improve your chances of getting work if it includes an applied project for a food manufacturing company and getting hands-on industry experience.
Most food technologists work for:
- Food manufacturing companies such as dairy processing companies, breweries, food and vegetable processing companies, cereal manufacturers and commercial bakeries
- Private food research institutes such as Fonterra Research and Development Centre
- Crown research institutes such as AgResearch and Plant & Food Research
- Universities
Student profiles
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This information is a guide only. Last updated 27 March 2025.