Some foods such as fruits and vegetables are available in some seasons and not in others. Then how will you eat mangoes in winter and carrots in summer?
Even though we can not eat fresh mangoes, we can have processed mango products like jam or pickles throughout the year. Preserving food is very important to improve the nutritional content and have variety in the diet. It has also made progress in meeting the growing demand for food around the world.
The branch of science that creates and controls the entire process of food making, including preserving, processing and packaging are known as Food Technology. Food science and technology have tremendous scope for growth and a bright future.
Future Scope for a Career in Food Technology
- Due to its significant impact on the development sector, food processing has been considered a promising industry in the future. A recent report revealed that there would be an expected expansion of 11.5% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in the food processing industry. This will create more opportunities for graduates in the field.
- National and international food security commissions such as FSSAI and USFDA are always in demand for food technologists for various positions.
- Many firms working under the Food Corporation of India recruit graduates of Food Technology for various roles.
- Food technology graduates are sought out by biotechnology companies, bioinformatics companies, and water conservation and research institutes.
- Pharmaceutical companies have a lot of opportunities for food technology graduates in job roles such as biochemists.
- Food technology graduates can also take up jobs in different areas such as in hospitals, restaurants, food processing companies, catering establishments and soft drink manufacturing firms.
- Cereal and rice mills, quality control organisations, food research laboratories and packaging industries hire food technology graduates.
Skills Required to Study Food Technology
- Technical skills
- Organisational skills
- Research skills
- Scientific temper
- Awareness of the consumer market
- Practical skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Observation skills
- Time management
- Analytical skills
Careers in Food Technology
- Lab Technician
- Research Scientist
- Organic Chemist
- Biochemist
- Quality controller
- Food inspector
- Managers and accountants
- Food product development director
Eligibility to Pursue a Degree in Food Technology
Students who passed 10+2 from recognized institutions under the science stream can apply for a bachelor’s degree in Food Technology.
Entrance Examinations
- The joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is an engineering entrance assessment test conducted for admissions into various engineering colleges in India.
- IPU CET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test) – university-level exam conducted by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University for admission to UG & PG programs in the field of Engineering, Medical, Dental, Law, and Management.
- JMI Entrance Exam – national level exam conducted by the Jamia Millia Islamia University for admission into specific Undergraduate Courses.
Top Colleges/Universities in India and Abroad to Study Food Technology
- Monash University, Malaysia
- University of Massachusetts, US
- Virginia Tech, US
- Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
- Integral University, India
- University of Delhi, India
- Sharda University, India
- Jamia Millia Islamia, India
- Jadavpur University, India
Famous People Connected With Food Technology
William Vere Cruess
American food scientist who had an important influence in the beginning of a new discipline, food science and technology. He started the use of fruits to produce fruit-juice beverages, fruit-based concentrates, and syrups.
Clarence Birdseye
American inventor, entrepreneur, and naturalist. He is considered the founder of the modern frozen food industry.
Top Institutions that Employ People in this Field
- Hospitals
- Restaurants
- MTR Foods Limited
- Dabur India Limited
- PepsiCo India Holdings
- Nestle India Private Limited
- Amul
- Agro Tech Foods
- Godrej Industries
- Perfetti India limited
- Cadbury India Limited
- Britannia industries
- Gits Food Products Private Limited
- ITC Limited
- Parle Productions
- Milkfood
- Coco cola India Limited
- Hindustan Lever Limited
Government institutions in India:
- The Food Corporation of India (FCI)
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
- Ministry of Food Processing Industries
