The popularity of food science & technology is growing as the day goes by. Two factors that contribute to this is the rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes that are happening across the globe. Food Science is multidisciplinary in nature; it’s the same with Pharmacy, Biomedical Science, or even Translational Science.
We already know that Food Science is involved with chemistry (inorganic, organic, and physical), microbiology, biochemistry, chemical, nutrition, and process engineering. Thus, the holy grail of this branch of food science is understanding biochemistry and chemistry of each of the food components, including carbohydrate, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Therefore, it is just but understandable that only highly qualified and trained Food Scientists get into the industry.
One thing that might have contributed to this is the fact that the advancements in technology have an effect on our daily life, making us busier than we ever have. Thus, the demand too easy-to-prepare and ready-to-eat drinks and meals have also increased as well. These drink and meals should be high quality, partnered with safety and nutrition value.
As a result, there is once again a need for advancements and developments in technology worldwide. Thus, food science and food technology go hand in hand.
Requirements For A Career In The Food Science & Technology Industry
So, now, that we have the overview of Food Science and Technology settled. It is now time that we tackle what it takes for someone to get into the Food Industry. What are the needed education and training?
Well, in a nutshell, you need to have a background in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) combination and Mathematics in your 10+2. When talking about it in the bachelor’s degree level, one should get a three-year or four-year degree courses in the fields of Food Science or Food Technology, Food Science and Technology, or Food Science and Agriculture, depending on what’s available on the school you are choosing.
If none of these courses are available at where you are studying or plan to study, then you can choose from these alternative courses: Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemical/Process Engineering, Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nutrition, etc.
On the other hand, if you are looking to have a career in QC and QA or R&D, you need to have a higher degree, maybe a master’s degree or a Ph.D. Doing this will give you more advantage and an edge, especially when you decide to pursue a higher degree from a school abroad. On the other hand, if you are leaning toward a career in sales and marketing roles, such as product or brand management, then getting an MBA might help you achieve just that.
Lastly, if you are planning on a career as a Nutritionist or Dietician, there’s good news for you. You might not always need to get a higher degree after you achieve a bachelor’s degree. There are other options you can do, like getting certificates or PG Diploma courses that are in the fields of Nutrition or Dietetics.
The following are some of the top Universities & Colleges in India where you can get degree in Food science & technology:
- Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI)
- National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM)
- Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT)
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI)
- Food and Drug Toxicology Research Centre (FDTRC)
- National Institute of Nutrition (NIN)
- Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR)
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pondicherry University
- International Life Sciences Institute – India (ILSI)
- IISER – Pune
Best Food Tech Degree Collesges in The USA:
- Cornell University
- The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
- Texas A&M University
- UC Davis
- University of Florida
Best Food Tech Colleges in Other countries:
- University College Dublin
- University College Cork
- Dublin Institute of Technology
- University of Copenhagen
- Denmark Technical University
Salary Structure In Food Industry In India
Now, here is the part that we have all been wanting to get a sneak peek of. Of course, we want to know the salary structures in the food industry, at least in India. So allow us to take you through a short journey to the salary structures.
For starters, a Food Technologist or sometimes called food scientist can earn an average between INR 20,000 and 25,000 per month in India. If you stay in the field for at least five years, you can earn between INR 500,000 and 740,000 annually. With more years of experience, at least 10 years of it at least, you can very much expect an annual salary of between INR 900,000 and 1,180,000.
If you are planning a career in the manufacturing industry, here’s the salary structure. It is approximately equivalent to those who decide to be involved in the R&D or QC/QA function. If you’re someone you are a travel enthusiast, then Food Inspector role is the best one for you. Next, if academic roles are your interest, then you should know that the pay will depend on the University pay scales.
There will be extra incentives for those in the Sales & Marketing field. Without the incentives in mind, the salary levels are usually 20% to25% higher than those in the R&D and QC/QA field.
Lastly, for the nutritionists and dieticians, the average annual wage is INR 210,000 for starters while Nutrition Managers can earn up to an average of up to INR 750,000 per year. As a nutritionist or diet counselor, you can also do freelancing, either on the side or as your main source of income.