The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is EmbraceEquity, and it’s an important conversation. In order to create workplaces that are fair and equitable, we need to understand what equity means, and how to practice it at work.  Equity vs. Equality The IWD EmbraceEquity theme is meant to highlight…

Few beauty brands have a history as rich as La Roche-Posay, backed by five centuries of healing and protecting the skin. And few brands have gone on to contribute more to the science of skincare, conducting over 750 clinical studies in 25 years. L’Oreal’s La Roche-Posay is an exceptional company…

Hiring top-tier talent is more difficult now than ever, and many employers struggle to recruit candidates with the skills and experience they need. Unfortunately, many of these employers are still using recruiting processes developed years ago, when the job market was less competitive, leading to avoidable mistakes. Here are some…

Few ingredients are as poorly understood as emulsifiers. Necessary in everything from foods and condiments to cosmetics and personal care products, emulsifiers are often seen as unhealthy or unnatural ingredients. For consumers seeking to avoid chemicals, a new generation of emulsifiers is providing that stable, creamy texture in innovative ways.…

The evidence that micromanagement is counterproductive is plentiful. However, it’s only one possible style of management among many, and some aspects of micromanagement may have a place in a well-rounded manager's toolkit. In today’s environment, when demand for skilled employees is higher than ever, managers need to find new ways…

Health awareness is at an all-time high, and consumers seeking better alternatives to carbonated soft drinks continue to seek out new choices. Functional beverages remain the fastest-growing sector in the functional food and beverage industry, expected to double in size from 2020-2030. Here are some of the breakthroughs driving a…

The benefits of plastics are innumerable, and modern life would be impossible without them. Plastics are easy to form, versatile, light-weight, and inexpensive. But we are only now beginning to reckon with the true costs of their impact. Here are some innovators working on the problem of microplastics. What are…

Halloween doesn’t have as much impact in Europe as it has in the United States, but it is growing in popularity, leading to the development of ever more spooky season treats and trends. Let’s take a look. While Halloween has its ancient origins among the Celts, and is European in…

Telecommuting, remote work, hybrid work, distance work, home office, distributed workforce… Whatever it’s called, Work From Home (WFH) has surged into center stage as one of the hottest issues both in the labor market and the UK political arena. Why has the location of workers become a political issue, and…

Even as some consumers turn away from the concept of “anti-aging”, demand for these products continues to grow. The global anti-aging skincare market was valued at over $40B in 2020, and the industry continues to make huge strides, combining the latest research in life sciences and innovative technology. What does…

Ever since the origins of business, there has been the calculation of profit. In today’s world, which is more informed and connected than ever before, we need a new way to calculate cost. True Cost Accounting allows enterprises to make more responsible choices, and provide greater transparency to consumers. What…

While employment levels in Europe have largely returned to pre-pandemic levels, a return to status-quo still means significant challenges for companies looking to recruit top talent. In addition, there are huge pressures on the staffing industry. Faced with a shortage of both quality candidates, and recruiters to find them, do…

As consumers move away from unhealthy foods, they are looking for sugar alternatives and substitutes that are more natural, more sustainable, and better sweeteners for their bodies. There are many ways that innovators and industries are adapting to these new challenges and opportunities. Let’s take a look. The Bitterness of…

Packaging protects and stores a product, displays and advertises it, and dispenses it for the consumer. Packaging must keep some people out and let others in, while conveying a load of information: instructions, advertising, legal information, etc., sometimes in multiple languages. And there’s the growing demand to keep it small…

The talent shortage in life sciences is nothing new: the trend has been growing for years. Exacerbated by pressures on pharma firms due to the pandemic, the great resignation, and rapidly changing technologies, this skill and talent shortage is threatening innovation. What are some strategies for success?  Problems in Life…

This year, the beer festival 24uurs van Maastricht has added a third day of festivities. For the first time, the festival will devote an entire day to the regional beers of Limburg. What makes this area so special, and what does it offer for beer lovers?  The beers of Limburg…

Beer is one of the most ancient and most important foods in human history. Deceptively simple, there are hundreds of beer styles, and each one has unique characteristics. For people new to beer, the sheer variety may be overwhelming. Here is a brief overview of different types of beer.  The…

The story of Toilet Duck and Durgol is the story of a family that exemplifies Swiss know-how and willingness to try new ideas. It’s a story that begins with Maria Düring-Keller, joined later by her son Walter Düring and daughter-in-law Vera Düring. It’s a story about a problem, an innovative…

This summer, grapefrute is proud to once again sponsor the “24uurs van Maastricht” beer festival. From June 23-25, the festival features specialty and craft beers from around the world, in the most beautiful and historic settings in Maastricht. Along with food, crafts, tours, and special events, it’s an amazing event…

White biotechnology is one of the most innovative life sciences today, combining technology with the natural functions of organisms. It has applications in nearly every industry, especially as we seek to reduce the environmental impacts of food, medicine, consumer goods, and other types of products. Here are some of the…

Plant-based proteins are the hottest food trend in recent years, driven by a desire for more sustainable, cruelty-free foods. But some researchers are going further, using innovative technologies to develop meat without animals at all.  Futuristic fiction has long envisioned animal-free meat. That vision is close to realization. Science has…

The quest for a healthier alternative to sugar has been a challenge for food and beverage innovators for decades, and sparked a wide range of solutions. The Supplant Company has found a way to turn waste into sugar, with great results.   Humans are hard-wired to love sweetness. The global market…

Last month, we explored some of the many reasons why people are quitting jobs in record numbers. This month we’ll look at the factors that make people stay at a job, or accept a new one, and how smart employers are improving talent acquisition and retention.  Reasons Why Employees Stay…

Over 1,000 new fragrances are launched every year, and the perfume industry has a surprisingly large environmental impact for its size. However, updated practices from legendary perfume brands, along with a new generation of sustainable startups, are changing the landscape for the fragrance industry.  Eco-Friendly Fragrances Trends In part 1…

The Great Resignation is making headlines around the world, but what it is and why it’s happening are interpreted in wildly different ways. Are people leaving their jobs because they are lazy? Because they feel unsafe? Because they get better offers? Let’s take a fact-driven approach to find out why…

Over 1,000 new fragrances are launched every year, and the perfume industry has a surprisingly large environmental impact for its size. However, updated practices from legendary perfume brands, along with a new generation of sustainable startups, are changing the landscape for the fragrance industry.  Environmental Impacts of the Fragrance Industry…

Staffing and recruitment is more art than science. Finding perfect matches, fostering growth and development, and improving satisfaction and contentment require soft skills, intuition, and a little luck. However, just because the work is intangible doesn’t mean the results can’t be. Here are the tools for measuring recruitment success.  Recruitment…

Plant-based proteins are more than a food trend - they are essential in the quest for new food sources, new ways of providing human nutrition, and new ways of protecting our planet. These innovators are breaking new ground in nutrition. The Future of Food The future of food is vital…

Frozen foods are enjoying a resurgence in popularity, as a new generation discovers the nutrition and convenience available in the freezer aisle. And new advances in freezing technologies are unlocking new benefits in frozen foods. Different Food Freezing Techniques If soda in an aluminium can is left too long in…

In today’s changing job market, employees are taking more control of their work, and they have higher expectations around their jobs and the companies they work for. What can companies do to bring the best candidates to their door? Say Goodbye to the Traditional Mentality For generations, labor has been…

Humans have been coloring food for centuries. We do it for tradition, for aesthetics, for fun! Everyday, biotechnology is opening frontiers for new pigments with an array of novel benefits. Let's take a look at some exciting developments in the next generation of food pigmentation. The ‘Why’ of Color... It…

Food and beverage sciences are critically important and rapidly growing segments of the world economy. Here’s a look at one innovator in that field, and one quirky innovation that rose to prominence, and remains unique to this day.   The History of Dr Pepper   Dr. Charles Alderton was a pharmacist in…

You may not have heard of Firmenich, but their ingredients are probably in your household right now. They may have had a hand in making your laundry detergent, or perhaps your breakfast cereal. Let’s take a look at this family-owned Swiss firm, still going strong after 125 years.  Firmenich is…

In many ways, recruitment and employment trends for the coming year are consistent with changes since 2020. But the year ahead promises some important changes for HR and recruitment professionals. Here are the recruitment trends to watch in 2022. Recruitment Basics Remain the Same In many ways, 2022 promises more…

The phrase “new normal” has been used all-too-often over the past two years, and yet it remains a reality with newer and deeper consequences every day. While people and industries suffer from Covid-fatigue and are desperate to return to the plans, goals, and intentions they had in 2019, in the…

The signature scent of a Williams Sonoma store is as much a part of the brand’s retail experience as the font on their signage. In fact, scent has a powerful ability to trigger memory and emotion, and smart retailers are using it to influence buying decisions. Let’s learn more about…

New hires often complain that the job isn’t what it seemed to be in the advert. But what about when the opposite is true? What about when an employee doesn’t have the skills they claimed?  It happens surprisingly often that a new hire doesn’t fit in as well as expected.…

These days we all know much more about reducing our exposure to viral germs and viruses. But despite that hard-gained knowledge, many of us will still catch a cold over the winter. Is there a chance that with all the research into viruses there could someday be a cure? And…

Working remotely was already a rising trend in 2019, and in 2021 demand for workers has risen and workers’ expectations have changed. Remote work and thus remote onboarding are the reality now for many industries. Here are some tips for the successful remote onboarding of new employees. Challenges in Employee…

Long before Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion collaborated, ingredient brands have been quietly making and marketing their components, while leaving the manufacture of products to someone else. From Teflon to Kevlar, brand collaborations are big business.  The Power of Ingredient Branding Ingredient brands are in a uniquely powerful position.…

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 it 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 has 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…