On 5 March 2026, the SU Food Science Association hosted a Braai & Panel Discussion: The Future of Food Talent, an evening that brought together industry insight with the warmth of a South African braai. More than a networking event, it marked the inaugural gathering of Africa’s first Institute of Food Technologists Student Chapter.

Convened by students Jana Schreuder and Niel van Heerden, the event brought together food science students, academics and professionals for a structured panel discussion followed by informal engagement around exhibition stalls and the braai. The panel featured voices from PepsiCo, Rhodes Food Group, Mane, Synercore, Absolute Pets (Woolworths) and EdelSenz (ex McCormick).

The discussion itself painted a  picture of the food sector in transition. Panellists highlighted the rise of food experiences, functional ingredients and high-fibre products, alongside the growing role of visual identity in influencing what consumers notice and buy. “Fibremaxxing”, provenance, storytelling and multisensory eating were all identified as signals of where consumer demand is moving.

At the same time, the conversation looked beyond trends and into the realities graduates will face in the workplace. Data literacy emerged as a non-negotiable skill, while artificial intelligence was framed not as a replacement for people, but as a tool whose value depends on thoughtful and responsible use. Panellists also stressed that while technical knowledge may open the door, long-term success is shaped by behaviour: curiosity, humility, coachability, ownership and the willingness to do difficult work well.

One of the evening’s strongest practical messages centred on the first job after graduation. Students were encouraged to choose learning-rich environments over prestige alone, to seek mentorship deliberately, and to treat their first 18 months in industry as a foundation-building period. Quality assurance, start-up environments, food safety, and R&D were all discussed as strong starting points for developing rigour and broader business understanding.

The response from attendees suggests that the event struck exactly the right note. With industry making up nearly half of the audience and strong student representation present, the evening demonstrated how powerful it can be when academia and industry meet, not only to talk, but to listen, challenge and build together.