Food lovers out there who cannot (or do not want to) cook can still make it big in the food industry. Chefs arent the only career you can build around food. Here are some other ventures people can explore.
1. Food Styling and Photography
Yes, Food Styling is an actual professional career. With today's number of competitive restaurants and food chains, business owners are hiring more experts in this field to properly advertise their food. I
According to NDTV, the age of social media enabled opportunities for the world of food styling. There are more venues to market, present and sell food products. And with that, the products should be photographed, presented and styled properly thus the need for more professional food stylists and food photographers. "Food photography and styling are in high demand, as the market for visual food content has grown with the popularity of Instagram and Pinterest."
All this field require is that the food should look mouth-watering and enticing enough in photos. That is now easy to do. It takes professional photographers and food stylists to do that. And not all photographers have the eye and the skill for food photography, so if you think you do, it's an undertaking you might want to explore.
2. Food Blogging
Yes, food blogging has evolved into a career. What used to be just online reviews of the food and places people has been, became profitable careers to many. In most cases, money and food works well together. CNBC featured Professional Food Blogger Lindsay Ostrom, who in 2015 made $32,971.75.
Sally Quin on the other hand, listed her recipes online and made money as well. "Quinn is paid through advertisements hosted on her blog, brand ambassadorships and sponsored posts". So if you have a fllair for writing and endless love for food, this is a good venue to share knowledge and earn money at the same time.
3.Flavorist
Inside Jobs said a flavorist's salary ranges from $39,000 - $116,000 (data from U.S. Department of Labor). " Flavorists use their deep knowledge of essential oils, flavor aromas, botanical extracts, and essences to recreate and intensify flavors from nature. They also create whole new flavors that people have only dreamed of.".
In this field, a strong sense of taste and scientific knowledge is required. Its like cooking in such a way, but using just the flavours to create new and improved versions from the tastes we are accustomed to.
Although very scientific, this doesn't necessarily mean creating fake or unnatural flavours. This industry is focused more on developing flavours, improving its shelf life and recreating or mimicing the tastes without the harmful effects on the environment. With the fast-phased life and demands with food nowadays, more flavourists are needed to cater to the needs of the market. That's why more people and businessmen are venturing into this field to build businesses and careers.
There are more careers linked to the food business like Catering, Food Buying and Tea Trading etc. Mankinds' love for food is sure to open more opportunities for careers in the food industry because of man's non-stop efforts to find new flavours, create new dishes and satify cravings all over the world.
