Explore careers

Useful experience for food and beverage factory workers includes:

• supermarket and restaurant work
• factory work
• bakery work
• brewery work
• manufacturing work.

Food and beverage factory workers may do some or all of the following:

• measure, mix and cook ingredients
• peel and slice food
• control the temperature and automated processes for making products
• check the quality of the product and record results during the production process
• operate and maintain machines
• inspect and pack the final product
• clean and sterilise the factory processing area.

Food and beverage factory work popular

Job opportunities for food and beverage factory workers are average.

There has been an increase in vacancies over the last five years due to higher demand for food and beverages locally and for export. However, vacancies fill quickly because the flexible working hours and low entry requirements make it a popular job.

There are more opportunities for food and beverage factory workers in Auckland, the Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Hawke's Bay and Waikato.

According to the Census, 3,147 food and beverage factory workers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Seasonal opportunities for food and beverage factory workers

Food and beverage factories often employ more staff over spring and summer so your chances of securing a job are better then. 

Hospitality experience increases job chances

Experience handling food and drink in fast food restaurants or cafes and cleaning work in the hospitality industry both improve your chances of employment.

Types of employers varied

Food and beverage factory workers may work in:

• breweries and vineyards
• small businesses
• small or large factories
• large bakeries
• milk processing factories (dairies)
• flour processing plants (mills).

Competenz

0800 526 1800 - www.competenz.org.nz

Food and beverage factory workers may progress into supervisory roles on the factory floor or move into management roles such as production manager. 

• Production manager job information

Food and beverage factory workers may specialise in:

• blending drinks
• packing
• machine setting
• brewing beer
• bottling wine
• milling flour
• quality control.

Food and beverage factory workers need to be:

• accurate and careful, with good attention to detail
• able to work at a fast pace
• good at maths
• responsible and able to make good judgements
• honest
• good team workers
• good at communicating
• able to follow instructions.