Europe is facing severe labor shortages, especially in certain critical sectors. What are the factors that are causing the labor shortage, and how can companies compete for the top talent? Let’s take a look. Factors Causing Europe’s Labor Shortage Post-COVID Europe has seen most unemployment figures return to 2018 levels,…

Germany’s Henkel Group is behind some of the world’s most famous brands, including Persil, Loctite, Fa, and Purex. Today, the legendary brand is leading new innovations in sustainability and white biotechnology.  The History of the Henkel Group Founded in Aachen in 1876, the Henkel Group was first known for laundry…

It’s natural for candidates to enter the job interview eager to say and do the right thing, in order to get the job. But candidates also need to know that the job is the right fit for them. Here are the critical questions for candidates to ask during an interview.…

We’ve explored the science of pet food nutrition in the past, but that’s only half the story. Just like human food, pet food has to be more than just nutritious: it has to satisfy the senses as well. Researchers are using food science to make a new generation of pet…

The job interview is a crucial stage in the hiring process, where both the employer and the candidate can learn about whether the role is a good fit for them. Unfortunately, many employers use this time to focus on the wrong things, and miss some crucial information. Here’s what you…

The need to preserve food is as old as time, but today’s consumers want preservatives that are natural and sustainable. Innovative firms are harnessing ancient techniques with modern technology, and finding new ways forward.  The Challenges of Preservatives With modern refrigeration and food packaging technologies, you might think that food…

Diverse teams have been proven to improve company products and performance again and again. But workplace diversity isn’t just about culture and gender; workplace diversity can also mean understanding different personality types and leveraging their unique skills. How can companies unlock the power of introverts? The Overlooked Introvert It often…

Can an ad campaign become too successful? Every brand wants to become iconic, and few have fulfilled that goal like Spain’s legendary Osborne distillery. Let’s learn more about the Toro de Osborne. The Bull as a Symbol of Spain Since pagan times, the bull has been an incredibly important animal…

When employers write job listings, they often forget to read them from the perspective of a potential candidate. Highly skilled applicants review job listings closely, reading “between the lines” to interpret the language. Here are some red flag terms to look out for.  Don’t Catfish Your Candidates As many as…

Japan’s Kao Corporation makes beauty and personal care products, but it’s a brand with a mission. For over 130 years, the company has been enriching lives and working for a better future. With a portfolio of famous products, Kao is quietly shaping the future.  History of Kao Corporation In 1887,…

Researchers have spent decades experimenting with DNA and mRNA-based vaccines, overcoming challenges with targeted immune responses, rapid replication, and vaccine stability. Covid proved that these technologies are ready for use, and that’s just the beginning. Advantages of Genetic Vaccines Traditional vaccines use weakened cells from the targeted pathogen to trigger…

Whether you are the assistant manager or assistant to the manager, does it matter more to have a great job, or a great job title? Do job titles attract better candidates? Let’s look at what’s in a name. What’s the Right Title for the Job? The fundamental purpose of a…

Pringles are an iconic global brand, and a completely unique snack food. Scientifically engineered to be an improvement on classic potato chips, and with an incredible history, how do Pringles stack up? If you’re one of the millions of people who watched Claire Saffitz try to replicate Pringles, you probably…

If you’re understaffed and overwhelmed, you need help. But you may be wondering whether it’s better to hire a recruiter to join your company, or work with a recruitment firm to fill your staffing needs. The truth is, there are a lot of factors to consider, so let’s find out…

There are few foods more critically necessary, more difficult to synthesize, and more highly regulated, than infant formulas. The obstacles and opportunities in infant nutrition are driving innovation around the world. Let’s take a look. Breastmilk is the Perfect Food Experts and public health agencies around the world agree that…

Cerveza Victoria is more than a beer, and more than a brewery. Over nearly a century of history, it has become an iconic part of local culture, symbolizing what the Malagueños, also known as boquerones, love about their city and the Costa del Sol. History of Cerveza Victoria This legendary…

We all know that food waste is a huge economic and environmental problem. But did you know that only 46% of food waste is generated by consumers? In fact, 51% of waste in Europe takes place during the primary production and processing stages. The Pro-Enrich Project aims to change that. …

Job seekers are skilled at “reading between the lines” and learning about your company culture from the language in your job listings. In our previous post in this series, we looked at hidden discriminatory language in job listings. Today, we look at what job listings reveal about your company culture.…

More and more brands are embracing eco-friendly cosmetics packaging, and consumers are welcoming these changes. But sustainable packaging remains a challenge in luxury personal care brands, where the packaging is often as iconic and distinctive as the product itself. Today, high-end beauty brands and the companies that supply them are…

American spice giant McCormick & Company is a Fortune 1000 company founded in 1889. But recent years have shown that even old brands can learn new tricks.  McCormick & Company was founded and is still headquartered in Maryland, USA, over 132 years ago. Founder Willoughby M McCormick originally sold root…

As summer approaches, so does the annual insect season. Consumers want to protect themselves and their outdoor spaces from insects and pests, but don’t want to use harsh chemicals or have a negative impact on the ecosystem. What are the latest ways to enjoy your summer bite-free? How do Insect…

Contrary to popular belief, the Cola Wars are far from over. Today’s soft drinks market is more competitive than it’s ever been, as demand slows for traditional high-sugar carbonated drinks. More importantly, the Cola Wars are a fantastic lesson in marketing, flavors, and the forces that drive consumers. Origins of…

As we become more culturally aware of the many layers and challenges in overcoming discrimination, many candidates are especially sensitive to certain language in job listings and descriptions. Do your listings reveal biases and discrimination? Many companies have initiatives that actively aim to improve diversity in their companies, and want…

The past year has signalled some major changes in the global chocolate supply, and the future indicates a massive transformation in how chocolate is grown and produced around the world. Let’s look at the state of chocolate.  A Brief History of Chocolate Production Although chocolate is a New World crop,…

Chances are, when you think of personal care brands, you don’t think of Czechia. But this country is home to some astounding cosmetics brands that are bringing the farm-to-table ethos of haute cuisine to the world of luxury personal care.  Secrets of Czech Skin Care Despite having a population of…

While animal testing is sometimes necessary, more and more cosmetics and personal care brands are looking for new ways to ensure the safety and quality of their products. What does “cruelty-free” really mean, and how does it work?  When is Animal Testing Required? The EU’s 2004 Cosmetics Directive (explanatory brochure…

Many professionals, whether or not they are currently job seeking, have a lot of complaints about recruiters. Unfortunately, many recruitment agencies make the mistake of trying to close deals quickly, which can reflect badly on the whole profession. Why do some people dislike Recruiters? Social media and job hunting websites…

From the foods we eat to the clothes we wear, nearly everything we use and consume has plant-based origins. In fact, the value chain for consumer goods often begins before the plants are even grown, in seeds and soil. It’s obvious that plants are necessary for life, and necessary for…

Colgate-Palmolive has been setting new standards in health and personal care products for two centuries. In fact, in many ways the entire industry has been defined by products and practices developed at Colgate-Palmolive, and they are still breaking new ground today.  A Brief History of Colgate-Palmolive Today, Colgate-Palmolive is a…

Authenticity in a company mission and vision is critical. Employees, partners, vendors, and candidates can sense when your culture is just a slogan, or if it’s really the lived values of the company.  How Do We Know When a Company Lives Their Values? A 2002 study showed that nearly every…

The story of Tabasco sauce is a unique combination of the history of a pepper, the history of a place, and the story of a brand. This legendary product comes from a part of Louisiana that is just 9 square kilometers, to be sold in nearly every country in the…

Europe’s personal care industry is driven by science and research, investing billions of Euros every year in biological sciences, innovative technologies, and sustainable supply chains. In this fast-moving and competitive landscape, here are some of the hottest new brands to watch.  2021 has been declared the year of skin care,…

From a small family kitchen in Bonn, Haribo developed the now legendary gummy bear and launched an international confection phenomenon. On the cusp of the 100th anniversary of the Goldbear, let’s learn more about Haribo.  Origins of Haribo In 1920, Hans Riegel Sr registered a confectionary company with just a…

While the full effects of Brexit have yet to take effect, this year has seen huge changes in logistics and supply chain disruptions that are disproportionately affecting FMCG companies on both sides. Let’s take a closer look. Given the progression of the transition, it will be years before we are…

Company culture is incredibly important, and also a delicate balance. How do you know when your candidate is a good fit not just for the role, but also for your culture? Let’s take a closer look.  Importance of Cultural Fit Culture goes beyond your mission, vision, and values, although those…

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is “Choose to Challenge”, so we are challenging some assumptions and taking a fresh look at the little-known history of women in spirits and beverages. Join us in raising a toast to celebrate these female innovators.  “A Bar is No Place for…

Among European beauty brands, the French dominate the landscape with giants like L’Oreal and Garnier. But Italy, with its reputation for bold fashion, timeless design, and legendary beauty, has a number of brands that are making an impact. Italian women are famous for their bold style and enduring beauty, with…

Employee loyalty starts before a candidate even begins the recruitment process. Here’s how to win them over from the very beginning. In order to have a great company, you need to have great people. And building a team of great people starts at the very beginning of the hiring journey,…

The food of the Netherlands developed from the country’s early origins in labor and agriculture. It’s only in recent years, enabled by modern brands and products, that home cooks in the Netherlands are expanding their palates, and taking Dutch food global.  For centuries, the Dutch diet was rich in dairy…

Many of Europe’s largest companies have manufacturing or supply & logistics facilities in less popular locations, and finding the right talent in a competitive job market can be difficult. Here’s Grapefrute’s guide to getting the right people into less popular places.  What Makes a Job Site Attractive to Candidates? According…

Food is not only essential for survival, but it’s central to our happiness and emotional wellbeing as well. Recent years have seen consumers demanding more options for food that is diverse, responsible, and high quality, and food technology startups are responding to the challenge.  Some of this year’s most promising…

Eventually, every business reaches the limits of how much they can grow with the facilities they have. Site expansion, improvement, and capacity building is a specialized skill set that requires the right kind of CAPEX & engineering professionals.  Staffing Needs for Capex & Engineering Projects Whether you are working on…

With nearly 200 years of history, Knorr remains a top-selling global brand. Today, they are embracing their legacy of flavor and quality, while working on a better future for all of us.  Around the world, more than 75% of people eat a diet based on just 12 plants and 5…

Hiring the wrong person has more impact than you might think, and can have huge impacts on morale, productivity, and profits. Let’s look at some of the hidden effects of making the wrong hire.  What is a Bad Hire? While many employees may develop performance challenges or interpersonal conflicts over…

The ongoing effects of the global pandemic have swept aside traditional business projections and transformed the global marketplace. As vaccines roll out across Europe, what can we expect for 2021? Covid precautions and restrictions have transformed daily life for millions of people around the world. Many people quickly (and perhaps…

Everyone is looking for the next great product, a game-changer that transforms the marketplace. It may seem like these ideas come from moments of lightning-strike inspiration, but the truth is that innovative companies have teams and processes that deliberately cultivate great new products. New product development is an established process,…

As coronavirus has altered the nature of how we interact, it has naturally altered how we work and how we recruit. These trends have been developing for years, but in many ways, 2020 has been a tipping point, and some things will never be the same. Here is a look…

This year has been filled with unprecedented challenges, and the incredible logistic, staffing, and supply chain changes around the world have created setbacks for many brands. But Nivea and Beiersdorf have been making steady progress on a wide range of sustainability initiatives.  Nivea’s sustainability goals are ambitious and comprehensive, addressing…

While Covid response has varied dramatically around the world, everyone has eagerly awaited a vaccine, with the hopes that life, travel, and the economy can return to normal. This week, one year after the initial outbreak, pharmaceutical companies have announced big breakthroughs.  Likely Covid Vaccine Candidates Since late 2019, drug…

Family-owned Ritter Sport set a goal of having 100% of their cocoa from certified sustainable sources by 2025. They reached that goal in 2018. What’s next for one of Germany’s favorite chocolate brands?   Ritter Sport has never been a company to leave the details to others. In 1926, when the…

With single-use plastic bans gaining momentum around the world, companies are innovating in materials and packaging, finding sustainable alternatives in a variety of sometimes surprising ways.  The End of Single-Use Plastics? Single-use plastics are items made of fossil fuels that are specifically designed to be disposed of after use. In…

As explored in part 1, citrus is one of the world’s most important ingredients in foods and flavors. But these incredible fruits also play a critical role in our fragrances, health and beauty products, and even pharmaceuticals. Let’s look at the other side of lemons. The Power of Citrus Scents…

Some people feel that workplace diversity is a marketing endeavor; it makes companies look better on paper. But diverse workplaces have been shown to be more productive and more profitable, year over year.  The Benefits of Diversity Recent years have seen a huge range of studies related to the benefits…

Companies are facing increasing regulatory pressure to become sustainable. But these initiatives also pose an opportunity to recruit a new generation of employees and customers who seek businesses that share their values.  Around the world, more than 1.2 billion jobs depend on a healthy environment. From fishing to forestry, climate…

Food and beverages are about more than the product: they are also about style. And few companies have a more iconic style than Campari, which made design part of the brand from the beginning.    History of Campari Gaspare Campari was born in Lombardy in 1828, the tenth child of a…

More and more companies of all sizes are working with recruitment and staffing agencies to fill their vacancies, and getting great results. Here’s why.  It used to be that a company’s HR staff were primarily responsible for sourcing, interviewing, and hiring the best talent. Today, most companies have HR teams…

Citrus fruits are so ancient, and have been so widely cultivated and cross-bred, that their true origins are shrouded in mystery. Genetic research suggests there may be as few as 25 true-breeding species of citrus, and yet these fruits are the most important crop in the world, impacting every aspect…

The demand for ready-to-eat, high protein snacks keeps growing, creating a market worth $5B USD in 2018, and continuous growth projected for the next several years. Europe is home to some of the biggest companies in the meat snacks market, including BiFi.  Jerky is an ancient way of preserving meats.…

Regulatory is a complex, dynamic career. Regulatory managers monitor a wide range of rules and regulations in their industry and region, and communicate with internal team members, external suppliers, and a wide range of stakeholders to ensure compliance. In highly regulated industries like food, health, cosmetics and pharma, these careers…

Companies have always cared about quality in their products and services. But the formal processes of monitoring, ensuring, and improving quality are fairly new, and still have huge effects on how companies around the world operate. It’s a career field that isn’t just growing in numbers, it’s growing in importance. …

Decades of confusing and contradictory information have made consumers wary of brands and unfamiliar ingredients. So how do personal care brands build trust? How Did We Get Here? While human history is full of examples of people unknowingly exposing themselves to toxins like lead and asbestos, the relationship between consumers…

Many top professionals feel that their CV speaks for itself, and they can get the best jobs by going directly to the company and searching their current openings. But is there a better way?  For many professionals in fields like product development, management, commerce, supply chain and logistics, there is…

Nitrates are an increasing source of tension and controversy. So what’s the problem with nitrates, and is there a better way?  What are Nitrates Anyway? The earth’s atmosphere is composed of 78% nitrogen. The nitrogen cycle is a global process in which the nitrogen in the atmosphere becomes transformed into…

For every talented candidate in the supply chain sector, there are six or more open positions. The crisis is deepening around the world, so what can recruiters do about it?  In today’s connected world, nearly every business has a complex supply chain. And consumers are demanding more transparency and accountability…

Umami is a distinct taste, triggering unique receptors in our mouths. But what is it exactly, and why did it take so long to identify? Most people know that “umami” is a loan word borrowed from the Japanese. In English, tastes have historically been described as sweet, salty, bitter, or…

Strengths and weaknesses, goals and accomplishments… every job interviewer asks these questions, and candidates are prepared for them. What other insights can you gain from a job interview? Here are some crucial questions to ask. When you are looking for the right match, it goes beyond training and experience. Employers…

Europe is the world leader in cosmetics production, with a combined value of nearly €80 billion a year. It’s a complex industry, with a rich history and a cutting edge future. The cosmetics industry is an incredibly important part of the economy of Europe, employing over 2 million people, and…

Fermented foods are ancient delicacies enjoying a modern resurgence, and fermentation is breaking new ground in ingredient science, merging cutting edge science and health. Today we take a closer look at fermented foods.  Of course, we know that we rely on the magic of fermentation to create beer and wine.…

To hire the right candidates, job descriptions and role expectations need to be updated often. How can you hire the right person if you don’t know what you’re looking for?  The best way to make sure that the most talented people will never reply to your listings is to show…

Tea has been cultivated and enjoyed for centuries, and is currently experiencing a surge in popularity. Let’s look at the fascinating history of tea.  After water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world. It is more popular than coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks combined. Although it is a…

Aspirin has been an essential medication for over 120 years. Along the way, aspirin has influenced health, medical research, and even international copyright law, making it a little drug with a big story.  It All Begins with Salicin Our ancient ancestors in Europe, North America, and Asia knew that brewing…

Process engineers are in high demand around the globe. How can companies recruit these talented, in-demand professionals?  Process engineering used to be an engineering discipline that involved the design and control of chemical, physical, and/or biological processes. Today, process engineers are also project and team managers, and their skills are…

From humble beginnings in Switzerland, Maggi has become a global staple, used in thousands of meals every minute of every day.  The history of Maggi goes back to Frauenfeld, Switzerland, where Julius Maggi inherited his father’s mill in 1869. He began experimenting with new types of flour, trying to create…

Micellar cleansing water was invented more than 100 years ago, and has been a skincare essential in France ever since. For decades it was the secret of dermatologists and beauty experts, but lower-cost alternatives have recently swept the world. What’s so special about micellar water?  Just a few short years…

Insight from the experts at Grapefrute on how to make your recruiting faster and get better results At Grapefrute, we work with some of the biggest, most prestigious FMCG companies in Europe. But even big, prestigious companies have to face competition in order to attract the top talent. In today’s…

A visit to your local perfume counter isn’t just an experience in the ancient art of crafting fragrances. In fact, in many cases, what you smell is science! Let’s take a closer look. What Drives Biotechnology in the Fragrance Industry? In recent years, the adoption of biotech tools and methods…

The oldest members of Generation Z are now in their early 20s and entering the workforce. They have a style all their own, and pose a unique set of challenges and opportunities for the companies who will be hiring them. Here’s what you need to know to recruit Gen Z…

When we see candy, we know that it will have a sweet and pleasing taste. But candy is designed to appeal to all your senses, to connect with the child inside you that wants to pick up something colorful and put it in their mouth. Candy is serious business, crafted…

Insight from the experts at Grapefrute on how to make your recruiting faster and get better results One of the most common mistakes people make in recruiting is over-reliance on relevant keywords. Sure, keyword searches and software algorithms that scan for the desired terms make the initial talent search faster…

Soft drinks and energy drinks have dominated the non-alcoholic beverages market for decades. Today, as consumers increasingly want beverages that are just as convenient, but have less sugar and more health benefits, functional drinks are stepping into the spotlight.  All over the world, there has been a slow decline in…

Consumers and governments hold FMCG companies accountable for the quality, safety, sustainability, and impact of every ingredient in every product. To meet these standards and expectations, companies are using a broad range of high tech tools for advanced traceability. Introducing Food Forensics Generally speaking, the term “food forensics” means using…

Pet nutrition is advancing in incredible ways, as pet owners seek optimal care for their animal companions, and companies respond to the demand. It’s the latest frontier in functional foods. For decades, people with a love of animals and an aptitude for science have thought that their only natural career…

As the search for versatile, sustainable ingredients accelerates, algae take centre stage. Scientifically speaking, “algae” is an imprecise term. Algae are an incredibly diverse group of photosynthetic aquatic organisms, many of which bear very little resemblance to land plants. Different kinds of algae do not share a common ancestor, and…

Sunscreen is big business, merging skin care, health care, and cosmetics to affect the daily lives of millions of people of all ages, all around the world. Some of the most advanced research in the world is happening in sun protection.  If you haven't bought sunscreen for a few years,…

When we think biotech, we often imagine sci-fi settings with cyborgs in space ports. But these technologies are in our homes, our workplaces, and our daily lives. Here’s a closer look at some of the advanced biotech in your home right now.  In its most basic definition, biotechnology is “hacking”…

How did a small northern European country become world-famous for a food native to the New World? We explore the magic behind Belgian Chocolate.  Belgian chocolate is famous around the world, and deeply embedded in the culture and economy of Belgium. But how did this New World bean, native to…

Does coronavirus mean the end of Just In Time? And what might take its place in the global supply chain?  For decades, supply chains have been managed by the just-in-time principle, using lean systems that emphasize efficiency and seek to eliminate overages, waste, and storage throughout the system. JIT maximizes…

Colour has a powerful effect on the human mind, and it doesn't just influence what we see. Colour affects our mood and emotions, our appetites and desires, and even our physical capabilities. Colour is a stimulant, anti-depressant, and aphrodisiac, and has powerful social, psychological, and cultural influence. Here are just…

Every year, the average European generates nearly three times their own body weight in product packaging waste. But times are changing.  As governments pass more regulations restricting the use of plastics, and consumers are looking for more environmentally-friendly product offerings, industries are adopting more innovative ways to make packaging that…

The pharmaceutical industry has transformed every aspect of our lives, from medicine and hygiene to the forefront of science and the global economy. Founded on the roots of medicine, chemistry, and manufacturing, and shaped by war and history, pharmaceuticals are leading us into the future. The modern pharmaceutical industry has…

In Germany, beer is both a beverage and a food: they call it “liquid bread” or Flüssiges Brot. The beer that we today think of as “German” originated in Bavaria, where beer has been brewed since the Dark Ages, and even today more than 50% of German beer is produced…

Europe is implementing a green recovery: how will it shape our world?  While it's still too early to know exactly what impacts the coronavirus will have on our economies, our healthcare systems, and our political relationships, there's no doubt that the effects will be with us for decades. While, as…

While cheese may not be one of the first things that people think of when they think of the Netherlands, many of the world’s most popular cheeses, including Gouda and Edam, are Dutch. In fact, despite its small size, the mighty Netherlands is the world’s largest cheese exporter, sending over…

Archaeological evidence and ancient texts indicate that people have been making perfumes since the very beginning of civilization. The first known chemist and perfumer was a Mesopotamian woman named Tapputi. In the second millennium BC, she distilled flowers, plants, oils, and other aromatics, in a complex process of repeated filtering,…

Spain has the second-largest proportion of land devoted to agriculture in Europe, second only to France. The incredible diversity of ecosystems in Spain, ranging from the Mediterranean Andalucia to the dry plateaus of central Spain, to the 8,000 kilometres of coastline, make it suitable for producing a huge range of…

Amid the global health concern about the coronavirus pandemic, and the resulting disruption of supply chains and markets, more and more companies and industries are rapidly shifting focus to make a positive contribution and support their customers and communities. Here are just a few examples from around the world:  Europe:…

To stay competitive in the ever-changing FMCG industries, you need top talent. And the simple fact is, the best people often don’t show up on your doorstep with a resume in hand. You have to reach out and find them, wherever they are. This often means reaching beyond your borders,…

In the United States alone, there has been an incredible 600% increase in veganism since 2015, and a whopping 70% of the global population says they are reducing meat intake or skipping meat altogether. Driven by environmental concerns, animal welfare issues, and economic necessity, people are turning away from meat…

Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) is an alternative to traditional recruiting services that have transformed many companies' recruitment processes. Unlike many agencies, grapefrute offers both RPO and traditional contingency recruitment services, so you can choose the right solution for your recruitment needs. Let's take a closer look at RPO recruitment so…

Recent years are seeing a sudden growth in frozen food consumption, driven largely by millennials, who spent an average of 9% more on frozen foods in 2017 than other demographics. Millennials now wield a combined 1.3 trillion dollar budget for annual spending, and frozen foods are increasingly appealing to their…