Semaine de l’emploi: Breton food industry is desperately looking for new talent!

Semaine de l’emploi: Breton food industry is desperately looking for new talent!

On November 3rd, 2025 the time has come: the fifth edition of the Semaine de l’emploi agroalimentaire in Brittany has begun. This event brings a breath of fresh air to the discussion about the agrofood sector, which is the largest industrial employer in the region and brings together almost 70,000 employees and 1,400 companies. Despite these impressive figures, the sector currently has a great need for new employees, with a total of 1,700 positions to be filled. For those responsible, including Jean-Bernard Guyot from the Agence Bretonne des entreprises agroalimentaires, recruiting new employees is a real challenge.

The goal of this week is clear: to reduce prejudices and promote exchange between actors in the labor market and companies. The organizers, which include France Travail, the Réseau pour l'emploi, APEC and the Agence Bretonne des entreprises agroalimentaires, are doing everything they can to highlight the numerous opportunities in the agrofood sector. Guyot strongly encourages that all profiles are welcome – regardless of age or experience.

Insights and opportunities

A variety of events are planned during this week, including a Brunch de l’emploi, also held in Rennes on November 3rd. Further events will be offered in Quimper and Ploërmel on November 6th, while a visit to Brasserie Uncle in Saint-Quay-Portrieux is scheduled for November 5th. In total, more than 90 events are planned to help those interested get to know the different facets of the sector. Last year, over 800 candidates took part in the events.

But what does the agrofood sector actually include? The term refers to the companies that operate in both the primary (agriculture) and secondary sectors (food processing). This includes the production, processing and marketing of food and even includes the cultivation of agricultural resources for non-essential purposes. The agroalimentaire chain consists of different links: producers who practice agriculture and transformers who obtain consumable products through processes such as abatting, pasteurization and packaging.

Current challenges

What is particularly noteworthy is that the agrofood sector has experienced significant turning points in recent years. Despite its size and economic importance, many companies have to contend with an ever-growing shortage of skilled workers. According to various reports, recruiting in 2021 has already caused serious problems for 70.6% of company managers. The industry remains an essential part of the French economy and generated sales of 170 billion euros in 2015.

Even though the challenges are numerous, the sector remains attractive and offers a wide range of career opportunities. Users can find more information about upcoming events and opportunities in the agrofood sector on platforms such as lagrorecrute.fr. This week shows that the agrofood sector is an exciting field of work that relies on creative talent and fresh ideas.

For the Brittany region, this week is not only a step towards improving job placement, but a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of an often overlooked but vital field of work.