Arwyn Watkins is concerned not only about a shortage of people entering the industry but also about the high dropout rate after learners have completed their further education courses.
He told the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) awards dinner: "I believe that this is no longer a skills shortage but a people shortage. Not enough individuals are taking this industry as a serious career choice. Even when they have made that career choice, not enough are progressing on to the industry on completion of further education.
“This is an industry that is very important to the future of the Welsh economy and we need to work with partners in Wales to ensure that we can increase the uptake of our industry as a career choice.
“We have to work with employers to share best practice on work life balances and the changing dynamics and expectations of the workforce. No longer can our industry survive on goodwill. We all have to think differently if we are to secure a sustainable workforce. Not an easy ask but necessary.”
Watkins, managing director of Welshpool-based training provider Cambrian Training Company, congratulated everybody involved in the WICC for highlighting what an exciting industry it is.
The Welsh government has launched the Food and Drink Wales Action Plan which aims to grow the food and drink sector by 30% to £7 billion by 2020, which Watkins and the WICC is fully supportive of.