Job Smetsers grew up surrounded by food. Raised in the south of the Netherlands in a true food-loving family — with parents and grandparents who were all supermarket managers — he started working in their store at just 14. That’s where his fascination with food and the food industry first took root.

After studying Food Technology in Wageningen, Job joined Plukon Food Group as Product Manager for its alternative protein portfolio — or as they prefer to call them, “complementaries.” Products designed to complement existing offerings like meals, salads, and chicken products.

One of the most exciting developments in that journey has been the creation and successful introduction of Blended Meat products, combining animal and plant proteins. It’s a direction Job believes holds real promise for the future of food — and one he’s eager to share more about.