TYL Releases Thorough Investigation! Age-based Analysis of Career Changers in the Supermarket, Food Processing, and Food Service Industries

TYL, a fast-growing venture company with a mission to promote pets as family members and contribute to creating a world where this is the norm (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Shohei Kaneko, hereinafter "TYL"), has released a survey report on the ages of individuals who successfully changed jobs into the supermarket, food processing, and food service industries. The report is based on the analysis and classification of interview record text data from users registered with "Meal Agent," a recruitment agency operated by TYL, using natural language processing technology.

Survey Report: https://meal-agent.jp/report/average_age/

■ Survey Background

"Meal Agent," a recruitment agency specialized in the supermarket, food processing, and food service industries, frequently receives questions and anxieties about the job market, such as "Aren't young people more advantageous?", "Is it difficult without experience?", and "Are there jobs even in my 50s?". Therefore, this report introduces the reality based on data from those who successfully changed jobs through "Meal Agent."

■ Survey Results

- The average age of agency users is 43.5. A meritocratic nature in the food industry creates a phenomenon opposite to the general job market.

- The largest age group is 50-54 (31%). The percentage of those 45 and older has surged to 56%, with more than one in two career changers being veteran professionals.

- Approximately 80% (79.9%) of all successful changers chose "processing staff." This proves the resilience and demand for "specialized skills" (tech-to-shoku) characteristic of the food industry, which remains unaffected by economic cycles.

Topic 1

- The average age of agency users is 43.5. A meritocratic nature in the food industry creates a phenomenon opposite to the general job market.

While the "20s" age bracket is considered the peak for successful career changes according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "2024 Employment Trends Survey," the average age of successful changers in the food industry is "43.5," revealing an inverse phenomenon. It suggests that many companies in the industry value "on-site skills" over "youth." Experienced veteran professionals are choosing to use recruitment agencies to objectively convey their long-term expertise, which is difficult to articulate in a resume alone, to potential employers.

Topic 2

- The largest age group is 50-54 (31%). The percentage of those 45 and older has surged to 56%, with more than one in two career changers being veteran professionals.

Looking at age demographics, the most common group was "50-54 (31%)." Combined with the "45-49 (22%)" group, they account for 56% (up from 45.9% in the previous year) of the total, indicating that more than one out of two successful changers are "veterans." The need for veterans has surged over the past year, resulting in an optimistic career path where age does not act as a handicap and both 20- and 30-year-olds can look forward to long-term growth by accumulating experience.

Topic 3

- Approximately 80% (79.9%) of all successful changers chose "processing staff." This proves the resilience and demand for "specialized skills" (tech-to-shoku) characteristic of the food industry.

Upon investigating the specific job roles chosen by successful changers, "processing staff" (meat and fish processing) accounted for an overwhelming 79.9%, highlighting the strength of "technical roles" (specialized roles) in the food industry. Personnel with specialized skills, such as "cutting meat" or "filleting fish," are constantly in demand, proving that those with "hands-on skills" can succeed regardless of age. Additionally, the "food service (12.6%)" sector ranked 3rd, supported by the recovery in dining demand. A diverse range of choices is available for everyone from young people to veterans to leverage their individual experience and motivation.

■ Survey Summary

- Survey targets: 351 successful career changers through "Meal Agent."

- Target data: 351 interview records (total text volume: approx. 660,000 characters).

- Analytical method: Classification and analysis of free-text data using natural language processing technology.

- Target period: January 2024 to December 2025.

■ About TYL

TYL is a fast-growing venture company with a mission to "promote pets as family members." The company operates businesses focused on management support for animal hospitals and adjacent fields, as well as support for pet owners. By leveraging people and technology, TYL builds value-creating mechanisms to ensure environments where pets live healthy lives and both pets and owners can lead happy lives together.