War, trade barriers, and uncertainty are shaping the job market in the food sector. Foodjob Nordic explains how geopolitical conditions are changing recruitment in the late summer of 2025. The war in Ukraine, rising protectionism, trade restrictions, and climate-related crises are just some of the factors putting pressure on the food industry in 2025. These developments have direct consequences for the job market — both in terms of the skills that are in demand and how companies approach recruitment. At Foodjob Nordic, we are currently witnessing a significant shift in how food companies adapt to an increasingly unpredictable global landscape — and what they are looking for in new employees.
Supply uncertainty creates new demands for employees
Geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions have disrupted global supply chains — from raw materials to technology and logistics. This places new and stricter demands on job profiles within:
– Procurement — with a focus on risk management and alternative supplier strategies
– Supply chain management — including the ability to ensure flexibility and regionalization
– Quality assurance and food safety — as more companies shift to new raw material sources and local partners
Increased focus on resilience and food preparedness
The political agenda has reinforced the desire for food self-sufficiency and preparedness — both nationally and at the European level. This is creating new job roles and greater emphasis on competencies within:
– Local production and vertical integration
– Raw material strategy and product development involving alternative proteins
– Political and regulatory relations — particularly in the intersection between industry and authorities
Recruitment in a new reality: Flexibility and purpose
Candidates in the food industry are increasingly motivated by job security and the company’s societal position — along with opportunities to work within resilience, innovation, and flexible conditions across global operations. This means that companies must now recruit with greater attention to employer branding, purpose, and strategic communication — especially if they operate across borders and under political uncertainty.
Foodjob Nordic’s perspective
We advise food companies across the entire value chain — from primary production to ingredients, technology, retail, and export. The geopolitical context affects every level of the industry and demands strategic recruitment, interdisciplinary profiles capable of handling change, and the ability to adapt organizations quickly and responsibly.