Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Food & Drink Recruitment Solutions
Zest Solutions is a specialist recruitment agency dedicated to the food and drink manufacturing sector, with over 22 years of experience connecting top talent with industry-leading businesses. Our approach combines deep market knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to quality over quantity, ensuring tailored solutions for both clients and candidates. Our consultants, many of whom have been with us for over five years, specialise in specific markets and geographic regions, offering unparalleled expertise. We maintain exclusive relationships with leading manufacturers and prioritise open communication, with consultants available beyond standard working hours to provide exceptional support.Our thorough processes include detailed candidate vetting, reference checks, and ongoing training for our team, ensuring we deliver reliable, professional recruitment services. We pride ourselves on fostering genuine partnerships built on honesty and mutual success, with a focus on long-term placements that align with both client needs and candidate aspirations. Our dedication to the food and drink industry ensures we provide targeted, effective recruitment solutions that drive growth and excellence across the sector.
Services
Engineering Recruitment
Hygiene Recruitment
Interim Appointments
Senior Appointments
Supply Chain Recruitment
Graduate Recruitment
Commercial Recruitment
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We have over 22 years of specialist experience in food and drink recruitment.
- Our consultants specialise in specific markets and geographic regions.
- We maintain exclusive partnerships with leading manufacturers and top-tier candidates.
- Our team is available beyond standard hours for seamless communication.
- We implement thorough processes including reference checks and candidate vetting.
Services
Engineering Recruitment
Our engineering recruitment service specialises in placing skilled professionals within the food and drink manufacturing sector. We focus on identifying candidates with expertise in automation, maintenance, and technical operations, ensuring they align with client requirements. Our consultants build strong networks across the UK to connect businesses with engineers who deliver innovation and operational excellence.
Hygiene Recruitment
We provide dedicated hygiene recruitment solutions for food manufacturing environments, sourcing professionals with expertise in health and safety compliance. Our candidates are trained in HACCP principles and food safety standards, ensuring client facilities maintain rigorous hygiene protocols. This service supports businesses in upholding regulatory compliance and product quality.
Senior Appointments
Our senior appointments service targets leadership roles within food and drink manufacturing, including technical directors and quality managers. We leverage an extensive network of experienced professionals, conducting thorough assessments to match candidates with strategic organisational goals. This ensures clients secure leaders who drive operational excellence and long-term growth.
Graduate Recruitment
We specialise in graduate recruitment for the food industry, connecting emerging talent with training opportunities and entry-level roles. Our service includes career guidance for candidates and tailored onboarding support for employers. This helps businesses build a skilled workforce pipeline while supporting professional development for new industry entrants.
Commercial Recruitment
Our commercial recruitment service focuses on sales, marketing, and business development roles within the food and drink sector. We identify candidates with industry-specific experience, ensuring they understand market trends and client needs. This enables businesses to strengthen their commercial teams with professionals who drive revenue growth and brand expansion.
People
Chris Trudgian
Managing Director
Chris founded Zest Solutions in 2004 after a career in IT and FMCG recruitment. He specialises in understanding food company cultures to ensure optimal candidate-client matches. His leadership has driven the company's growth into a leading food industry recruitment brand.
Gemma Burman
Principal Consultant
Gemma brings over a decade of recruitment experience, previously serving as a Director in London. She focuses on commercial and sales roles, leveraging her consultative approach to connect top talent with food industry leaders while balancing family life and athletics.
Niall Carter
Senior Consultant
Niall transitioned from leisure to recruitment, specialising in engineering roles across the North West. His relentless approach ensures clients receive relevant candidates quickly. Outside work, he enjoys travel, fitness, and exploring London's food scene.
Oliver Edwards
Business Director
Oli builds lasting relationships through recruitment, prioritising seamless client experiences. His conversational style and commitment to excellence have made him a trusted advisor. He balances work with a passion for football and a good sense of humour.
Nicola Richardson
Director
Nicola has 16 years of NPD recruitment expertise, serving as the UK's most experienced specialist in this field. Her tailored approach ensures clients secure top professionals, while her market knowledge drives long-term partnerships and successful placements.
Questions
What industries do you specialise in?
We exclusively focus on the food and drink manufacturing sector, covering roles in engineering, hygiene, technical recruitment, and senior appointments.
How do you ensure quality placements?
Our consultants conduct thorough candidate vetting, reference checks, and market-specific assessments to ensure cultural and skill-based alignment with client needs.
Do you offer both permanent and contract roles?
Yes, we provide tailored permanent and contract recruitment solutions across the UK food and drink industry.
How quickly can you fill a vacancy?
Our extensive candidate network and specialist consultants enable rapid response times, with many roles filled within days of instruction.
Can you help with graduate recruitment?
Yes, we specialise in graduate placements, offering career guidance for candidates and structured onboarding support for employers in the food sector.
Are your consultants industry experts?
Our team includes consultants with over five years' experience in food manufacturing recruitment, ensuring deep market knowledge and specialist expertise.
Reviews (4)
Maria Skacanova
Apr 14, 2022
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I have great experience with Sam from Zest He help me find my new job. He was so helpfull with all stages of this process. Great service from this company
Rachael Parsons
Dec 18, 2021
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From the offset, Lisa is friendly, helpful and professional. The guidance I received throughout the initial interview was second to non, preparing me, advising me on what to research prior to the interview. Followed my progression and even called on the morning of the interview for feedback from myself on how I felt. Lisa is truly an asset to her profession. Thank you so much
Neeayi Jerome Mills
Nov 15, 2021
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I have been working with Zest Recruitment for over a month to find the perfect fit for me to begin my career in the Food Industry. I can confidently attest to Zest's excellent services as well as their friendly and encouraging staff who go over and beyond to ensure you have the perfect fit. I would recommend their services without hesitation to anyone looking for a career in the Food Industry.
Issy Higgins
Nov 09, 2021
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Lisa- Marie helped me find my new role after being made redundant. Lisa- Marie was very helpful and professional throughout the whole process. Highly recommend and would defiantly use Zest again.
