Are you a food enthusiast or job seeker interested in pursuing an excellent opportunity outside of FAANG opportunities? Chicago offers many career opportunities that are waiting to be explored that you may have not considered.
What makes Chicago unique?
The industry contributes an estimated $10.4 billion in nominal GDP to the Chicago area, more than any other metro in the US.
Growth and Job Trends: Food innovation and manufacturing productivity in Chicago has grown 41.7% since Q4 2019.
Job Market and Employment:Â The National Restaurant Association predicted the food service industry workforce would reach 15.5 million by the end of 2023, an increase of roughly 500,000 jobs compared to 2022.
This is tremendous growth compared with other sectors – representing nearly 20% increase in hiring.
These aren’t just “any” jobs or server jobs. These careers are at the leading edge. Investment and Innovation: Over 60% of local food start-ups that received seed funding leverage biotechnology. The things you can learn!
Also Read: Maximize Your Job Search
Why Chicago is a Food Innovator
Did you know that Chicago was once called “the hog butcher of the world”? It’s not the most appetizing monkier, but the city has always been at the forefront of food innovation shaped by ongoing waves of immigrants, who have contributed to its creativity and growth.
Modern Food Scene and Innovation
Today, Chicago is home to many food start-ups and culinary innovators. Chicago is known for being affordable compared to LA and New Yorki, and the ecosystem to support this industry is here.
Key Players in the Ecosystem
Mondelez International: Global Snack Food Company.
Kraft Heinz Company: One of the largest food and beverage companies in North America.
Conagra Brands: American packaged foods company.
Mars Wrigley: Confectionery and pet food, opened a 44,000-square-foot Global Research and Development Hub
Ferrero: Opened a 45,000-square-foot facility in Chicago’s Loop in 2023.
Tovala: Smart oven and meal delivery startup.
Chowbus: Asian food delivery platform.
86 Repairs: Restaurant operations technology startup.
The Hatchery: Non-profit food and beverage incubator.
Simple Mills: Natural baking mix and cracker company.
Active Investors
Successful start-ups are launched by founders and entrepreneurs, and often, funding is required to facilitate growth. The venture capital community is active supporting promsing ideas. Here is a list:
S2G Ventures: Invested in Tovala, Apeel Sciences, and Beyond Meat.
Cleveland Avenue: Founded by former McDonald’s CEO Don Thompson.
Bluestein Ventures: Invested in Meati and New Culture.
Hyde Park Venture Partners: Invested in Tovala and Foxtrot.
Chicago Ventures: Invested in Farmer’s Fridge.
Pritzker Group Venture Capital: Invested in Farmer’s Fridge and Home Chef.
Origin Ventures: Invested in Tovala
Valor Equity Partners: Invested in Misfits Market.
MATH Venture Partners: Invested in food-related startups.
The Hatchery: Food and beverage incubator.
Career Opportunities in Chicago’s Food Industry
All of these unique opportunities, companies, and investments have created unique career opportunities from entry-level to specialized roles with interesting career trajectories.
Food Innovation Scientist: Develops new food products and researches novel ingredients.
Supply Chain Analytics Manager: Optimizes food supply chain using data analytics.
Food Safety Compliance Director: Oversees food safety and regulatory compliance.
Sustainable Packaging Engineer: Designs eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Digital Marketing Strategist (Food Tech): Creates marketing strategies for food tech companies.
Food Venture Capital Analyst: Evaluates investment opportunities in food start-ups.
Plant-Based Protein Product Manager: Leads development of plant-based protein products.
Food Traceability Systems Architect: Implements advanced traceability systems.
Culinary Data Scientist: Applies data science to analyze food trends and consumer preferences.
AgTech Integration Specialist: Facilitates integration of agricultural technologies into food production.
Networking and Community Engagement
Connecting with others in the industry can open doors to exciting career opportunities. To get ideas, consider attending Attend World Business Chicago’s Future-of-Food Week events or engage with business accelerators like The Food Foundry. Alternatively, check the websites of the major employers, and even the venture capital investors who are funding startups. Building relationships within the community can provide valuable insights and support as you advance your career.
Your Path to Success with Resume Writing
Creating a standout resume is your ticket to landing a dream job in Chicago’s food industry. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences.Â
Conclusion
Chicago’s vibrant food industry is more than just a career destination—it’s a community of passionate individuals driving innovation and change and represents niche opportunities where your skills will stand out.
Ready to leap? Explore career opportunities, connect with industry leaders, and immerse yourself in Chicago’s culinary innovation. Your next great adventure awaits in the heat of the Midwest!
Warmly,
