Product Technologist Fruit and Vegetable Ingredients

VZ International (HQ Breda), with production sites in Poland, the USA, Belgium, and Spain, and a 150-year heritage across the agro-supply chain, has extensive experience in delivering high-quality, delicious fruit and vegetable ingredients. Their continuous growth, commitment to innovation, and stringent quality standards have enabled them to become a key supplier to global food and beverage manufacturers.

From the refreshing sweetness of strawberries to vitamin-rich spinach and elderberries, or even the delicious earthy flavour of pumpkin, SVZ provides the perfect ingredient for your next juice, yoghurt, ice-cream or baby food product. The portfolio includes various organic and conventional varieties and formats, offering a full range of purées, juice concentrates, NFC juices, and IQF. SVZ employs 500 dedicated professionals and is part of the Doehler group.

For our R&D department in Breda, we are looking for a skilled Food Technologist with expertise in vegetable processing and development. This role will support the growth of our fruit and vegetable product portfolio and is ideal for someone with a passion for food, processes, and business.

Product Technologist  (40 hours)

Technical link between Sales and Production to serve customers.

As a Product Technologist, you will be responsible for developing innovative and tailor-made solutions within the fruit and vegetable processing industry. You will combine product development with a commercial and technical role, advising customers on the best ingredients and advising internally about processing methods.

You will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including R&D, sales, procurement, agronomists, and production, to create products that align with market trends, customer needs, and sustainability requirements. Prototyping and testing take place in the fully equipped pilot plant at our factory in Rijkevorsel (B).

Responsibilities

• Product Development: Create new products and formulations based on customer needs and market trends.
• Process optimisation: Improve existing product lines and production processes.
• Technical Sales: Provide technical advice to customers on product properties, applications, and processing options. Actively support the sales team during customer visits and demonstrations.
• Innovation & Sustainability: Explore and implement sustainable innovations, including reusing by-products such as peels, pulp, and seeds.
• Laboratory, Pilot Plant & Validation: Develop, test and analyse prototypes in the pilot plant in Rijkevorsel (B), including conducting trials and validations.
• Market & Technology Development: Monitor industry trends, such as plant-based products and functional foods, and translate them into product solutions.

Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Food Science, or a related field.
• Experience in product development within the food industry and with fruit and vegetable products.

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of fruit and vegetable processing methods.
• Familiarity with regulations and quality standards (such as BRC, HACCP, and ISO).
• Experience in product innovation, sustainability, and commercial customer interactions.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively in an international environment.
• Willingness to travel internationally (20%) to factories (Belgium, Poland, Spain) and customers (worldwide).
• Fluent in Dutch and English.
• Valid driver’s license (Category B).

Competencies

• Creative and solution-oriented in product and process development.
• Hands-on and flexible, don’t be afraid to get dirty.
• Commercial Insight to translate customer needs into technical and product-driven solutions.
• Team Player who thrives in a dynamic, international work environment.
• Affinity with Sustainability and the circular economy.

What SVZ International Offers

• A versatile role where product development and technical sales come together.
• Close collaboration with a diverse and international team of experts from sales, procurement, agronomy, and production.
• Access to a fully equipped pilot plant in Rijkevorsel (B) for development and testing.
• Opportunities for professional growth, innovation, and creativity.
• A competitive salary and excellent benefits, including training opportunities and a dynamic work environment.

Become part of SVZ International and work together towards a more sustainable and healthier future with innovative fruit and vegetable products!