MSc in
Food Industry
Management
A management education built entirely around food
FORMAT
Mandatory attendance (except for part-time students)
LANGUAGE
English
DURATION
2 years
CREDITS
120 ECTS
START
September 21 2026
SCHOLARSHIPS
Available
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF ADMITTED PARTICIPANTS
40
The Master's Degree in Food Industry Management trains professionals capable of reading economic dynamics, interpreting consumer behaviour and driving innovation in international food markets.
Combining a solid education in economic analysis and market strategy with the cultural and scientific depth of gastronomic sciences, this master's programme offers a unique perspective in the landscape of food management education. Skills in data analysis, strategic marketing and food law intertwine with an in-depth knowledge of products, supply chains and cultural processes related to food consumption. The field experiences developed with companies in the UNISG Network and study trips in Italy and Europe transform education into concrete experience, bringing students into direct contact with internationally leading entrepreneurial realities. Graduates acquire the tools to operate with competence and vision in key roles within the global food industry.
18 months in the classroom
4–6 months of internship
Double degree agreement with USI
Study trips and company visits
WHY UNISG?
- The only management master's degree in food with an integrated vision of economics, culture and sustainability
- Field experiences and innovation projects with companies in the UNISG Network
- Hybrid skills combining market analysis, data analysis and food systems Study trips in Italy and Europe with sector leaders
- An international community from over 90 countries
Double Degree
The Master's Degree in Food Industry Management offers the option of a double degree with USI – Università della Svizzera italiana (Lugano, Switzerland).
UNISG students enrolled in the Master's Degree in Food Industry Management who spend their third semester at USI in Lugano and attend the Master's courses may obtain the Master in International Tourism degree issued by USI (equivalent to a Laurea Magistrale in the Italian system). The USI Master's was established in 2003 and provides a broad overview of Tourism and its multiple dimensions. USI is a young and highly international Swiss public university, the perfect place to study tourism.
The agreement provides for an annual exchange of a maximum of 10 students per institution; students will receive specific communications from the administrative office regarding the selection process.
Costs: students participating in the programme are required to pay the standard tuition fees set for enrolment in the Master's Degree in Food Industry Management at UNISG. No additional fee is required; however, an administrative fee to the host university (USI) is required to cover costs related to the management of the double degree.
Learning Goals
The Master’s Degree aims to impart advanced knowledge that enables participants to develop a unique and distinctive skill set in:
- Economic Scenario Analysis: This involves the analysis of dynamics related to economic development, particularly in relation to consumption trends and access to strategic resources for food production.
- Advanced Market and Consumer Analysis: This encompasses knowledge of qualitative and quantitative market analysis techniques and consumer behavior, with a particular focus on emerging segments capable of intercepting future trends.
- Products and Production: This includes understanding of raw materials and food transformation processes, with special reference to emerging trends and their potential industrial impacts. It also involves knowledge of local agri-food production and its relationship with environmental and cultural aspects.
- Food Aesthetics and Communication: This involves distinctive knowledge in the philosophy and aesthetics of food. It also includes the ability to develop original communication content to be conveyed through traditional and digital channels.
- Strategic Marketing: This involves expertise in areas of product development and a deep understanding of physical and online distribution channels. It also includes skills in communication management, with an emphasis on innovative forms of digital communication.
- Advanced Food Law: This includes legal knowledge pertaining to the protection of intellectual property, regulations affecting the production and marketing of food, and issues of food sovereignty and sustainability.
The primary skills acquired for the job market:
| Features of the Master’s Degree in Food Industry Management Laurea Magistrale in Food Industry Management | Distinctive features of UNISG’s in-depth expertise in the food sector |
| - Product innovation - Industry & Market Analysis - Consumer Behaviour Analysis - Big Data Analysis - Business Planning - Strategic & Trade Marketing - Distribution traditional and on-line channels - Communication | - Product know-how - Food process know-how - Suppliers Selection - New tastes Innovative textures - Food Culture - Environmental sustainability - Agroecology |
Study Plan
The MSc in Food Industry Management curriculum progressively builds a professional profile capable of reading and interpreting the food system in its full complexity. The program advances from the analysis of economic scenarios and markets to an understanding of the gastronomic, ecological and social dynamics of food, through to strategic training in marketing and circular economy.
Students personalize their preparation through elective workshops with an applied approach, and complete the program with field experiences, a project with companies from the UNISG network, two study trips and an international internship.
Courses may be subject to change.
1st Semester. Advanced analytical tools
- Economic Scenario Analysis – 6 ECTS
- Food Industry Strategic Management – 8 ECTS
- Critical Thinking for the Future of Food – 8 ECTS
- Data Analysis for Strategic Decision – ECTS
2nd Semester. Product, Production & Sustainability
- Sustainability Assessment & Reporting – 6 ECTS
- Future foods and ingredients – 8 ECTS
- Sociology of food consumers – 8 ECTS
Field Experience: Innovation Project with UNISG Network companies – 6 ECTS
Study trip to discover the food industry
1st Semester. Marketing, Distribution & Digital Innovation
- Strategic Marketing for Food Industry – 6 ECTS
- Circular Economy for Food – 6 ECTS
- Elective 1 – 6 ECTS
- Elective 2 – 6 ECTS
International Study Trip in Europe with company visits – 6 ECTS
2nd Semester
- Internship – 10 ECTS
- Final thesis – 10 ECTS
- Food Psychology and Consumer Neurosciences – 6 ECTS
- Food Innovation Lab – 6 ECTS
- Start-up & Entrepreneurship Lab – 6 ECTS
- Wine Innovation Lab – 6 ECTS
Career Opportunities
The MSc in Food Industry Management program trains graduates with a strongly business-oriented profile, enriched by the disciplines of gastronomic sciences: from food aesthetics and ethics to the sociology of consumption, from ecology to sustainability. Upon graduation, graduates find placement in the food sector as Innovation Specialists, Market Analysts, Product Managers, Sales Managers and Business Developers.
Action Learning
Action learning activities are an integral part of the programme, offering direct contact with the reality of the agri-food sector. By going beyond the classroom, students meet professionals, observe food systems in real contexts and apply the knowledge they have acquired. These experiences strengthen critical thinking, collaborative skills and the preparation needed to competently address the challenges of the global food system.
Faculty
The MSc in Food Industry Management faculty brings together academics and professionals with expertise ranging from economic analysis to strategic marketing, from advanced food law to sensory sciences and sustainability.
Coordinator: Prof. Carmine Garzia
Advisory Board
Advisory Board
L’Advisory Board del Corso di Laurea Magistrale in Food Industy Management è formato da imprenditori e manager provenienti delle aziende del network di UNISG e supporta il coordinatore del corso nelle decisioni strategiche. La presenza dell’Advisory Board garantisce un allineamento ottimale tra i fabbisogni del mondo aziendale e i profili professionali dei laureati magistrali.
| Name | Company | Position |
| Riccardo Agugiaro | Agugiaro & Figna | CEO |
| Michele Andriani | Andriani | CEO |
| Riccardo Sauvaigne | EUROSTAMPA | Board Member |
| Roberta Ceretto | Ceretto | Presidente |
| Laura Fiè | CIRFOOD | Head of HR |
| Massimo Crippa | Colussi Group | General Manager |
| Marco Brambilla | Ferrero | Head of External Relations |
| Roberta Fileni | Fileni | Vice President |
| Michele Cannone | Lavazza | Global Brand Director Away from Home |
| Riccardo Illy | Polo del Gusto | President |
| Elena Tassone | S. Bernardo | Marketing Director |
Admission Requirements and Procedures
For all information about admission requirements, language requirements, how to register for the competition, the competition tests, important dates, admission criteria, and registration procedures, download the document Admission Requirements and Procedures.
Follow the steps below to submit your application through UNISG's ESSE3 portal, the student records system used by Italian universities.
- Click the Apply Now button at the top right of this page.
- Click Web Registration and follow the on-screen instructions to create your account.
- Open ESSE3 di UNISG portal in your browser.
- Select Login from the top right menu.
- Enter your username and password to access your account.
- From the top right menu, click Registrar Office.
- Click Admission Process.
- Select your desired program from the list.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your application.
The University of Gastronomic Sciences guarantees that students enrolled in the Undergraduate’s Degree and Graduate’s Degree programs who are unable to regularly attend teaching activities can be recognized as 'part-time' students.
CALENDAR
Opening of applications
December 1, 2025
First session deadline
March 10, 2026
Second session deadline
May 19, 2026
Third session deadline
July 14, 2026
Start date
September 21, 2026
Visit UNISG
We offer a range of in-person and online events designed for prospective students who are considering joining the UNISG community. Whether you prefer to visit our campus or connect with us virtually, these are the perfect opportunities to explore our academic programs, meet our faculty and staff, and get a real feel for life at UNISG.
Find out more about our Orientation Days, Open Days and individual campus visits.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
The annual fees for the Academic year 2026/27 is € 14.000 and it includes:
- all academic activities, including conferences, tastings and seminars;
- expenses for all programmed company visits and study trips;
- participation in many UNISG and Slow Food events as included in the undergraduate program;
- access to Career Office services (food sector job placement)
- enrollment certificates, official transcripts, receipts of payment.
UNISG scholarships are available to applicants of all nationalities, enrolled in the first-year of the Graduate Degree in Food Industry Management.
The scholarships are valid for the first year of the course and may be renewed for the second year, provided that the student maintains the academic requirements specified in the scholarship public announcement.
MERIT-BASED AND NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Italian Candidates
- Documents requested
- Merit requirements to confirm the scholarship
- Scholarship Application form for Italian Candidates
Non-Italian Candidates
All UNISG students who are currently completing or have already obtained a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, or a First-level Master’s degree at our University are eligible for a €4,000 tuition fee reduction for both the first and second year of the program.
The reduction will be applied upon payment of the second installment each year.
To maintain the benefit in the second year of the program, students must meet the following requirements after the September exam session:
Credits: at least 40 CFUs
Weighted GPA: 27/30 or higher
All students who attended UNISG Summer Schools are eligible for a reduction of 500 euro from the university fee applied to the second installment of the 1st Year.
For the academic year 2026/2027, UNISG has allocated a total of €103,000 across all degree programmes to cover fee waivers for EDISU scholarship recipients, until funds are exhausted. Waivers are therefore awarded following the EDISU eligible candidates ranking, starting from the highest positions, until the allocated resources run out. Once these funds are depleted, the remaining students on the ranking list will not be eligible for a full fee waiver for the relevant academic year.
- Recipients: Italian Students residing in Italy (fee-exemptions assignees or not).
- Partner Bank: Intesa Sanpaolo (official website).
- Guide to “Merit Loan- Prestito per Merito” (downloadable here)
Students with United States citizenship are eligible to apply for American financial aid through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Note that for all UNISG programs, loan applications, must be initiated by the student and received at UNISG electronically.
Maximum Loan Amounts
Direct Stafford Loans are need based (subsidized) and non-need based (unsubsidized) and are subject to annual limits. The loan calculation is based on information from your FAFSA, information about other financial aid you are receiving and the cost of attendance (tuition and living expenses) which is set by the University. The maximum amounts are as follows:
- Three-Year Undergraduate Program
Dependent Undergraduate Students
– Year I: $ 3,500 subsidized; $ 5,500 total (subsidized & unsubsidized)
– Year II: $ 4,500 subsidized; $ 6,500 total (subsidized & unsubsidized)
– Year III: $ 5,500 subsidized; $ 7,500 total (subsidized & unsubsidized)
Independent Undergraduate Students please contact financialaid@unisg.it for more information
PLUS loans (for parents of dependent students) and Grad PLUS loans (for independent students in the UNISG Master program) are also available.
Several steps are involved in applying for financial aid. Ensure that you start the process early in order to complete all steps in accordance with both U.S. Dept. of Education and UNISG deadlines.
As loans of all kinds involve serious financial commitments, UNISG requires that students be fully responsible in ensuring accurate and timely submission of their FAFSA. Although in some cases a student’s parents may participate in completing the form, the student is considered ultimately responsible for his or her application process.
Applying
To apply to Direct Loan, you must:
- Complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). In completing the FAFSA, you must indicate the UNISG Federal School Code (also called the Title IV Code): G41391.
- E-Sign an MPN (Master Promissory Note).
- Email the UNISG Financial Aid Office, indicating the total amount of subsidized loan, unsubsidized loan, and PLUS loan you are applying for. Also indicate any other financial aid or scholarships you are receiving, as well as any other documentation or information you wish to transmit that was not included in your FAFSA. All amounts should be shown in U.S. dollars and you should indicate the UNISG program you are applying for.
- Complete entrance counseling, if you are a first-time Stafford Loan applicant.
Deadlines
- FAFSA submission: within five days of the UNISG Registrar’s announcement of accepted candidates.
- Acceptance of UNISG admission offer and payment of initial deposit: within five days of receipt of loan confirmation from UNISG Financial Aid.
Disbursement of Funds
FSA funds are not disbursed directly to the student. Disbursements are made to UNISG and applied to the student’s university account. Funds in excess of the student’s university fees will be disbursed to the student’s personal bank account once the student arrives at UNISG. All currency exchange rates are based on the rate in effect on the day of deposit of funds.
All students receiving U.S. federal financial aid must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress (SAP) during their UNISG program, according to the University’s SAP policy. Additional details regarding SAP will be provided to students upon enrollment.
For more information, contact: UNISG Financial Aid Office
UNISG Federal School (Title IV) Code: G41391
CALENDAR
| Payment | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | €2,000 | Within 8 days of admission notification |
| 1st installment | €7,000 | September 01, 2025 |
| 2nd installment | €5,000 | February 25, 2026 |
Scholarship assessment deadline
March 19, 2026
Recipient notification
May 26, 2026
Where does a UNISG graduate work?
UNISG graduates build careers across diverse sectors of the food industry. The interdisciplinary training, which integrates technical, cultural and methodological expertise, prepares students for roles in business, innovation, public institutions and entrepreneurship. Our alumni apply the skills acquired during their studies to address complex challenges in the food system and society.
Graduates work in product development and brand strategy for food companies, beverage brands and retail organizations. Their understanding of food systems, consumer behavior and market dynamics enables effective product positioning and brand value creation in competitive markets.
Our alumni work as:
- Global Brand Manager
- Export sales manager
- Global Communication Manager
UNISG graduates work as specialized journalists, content creators and communication managers for media outlets, companies and organizations. They communicate complex topics to diverse audiences, addressing sustainability, culture and science through editorial content, visual media and digital platforms.
Our alumni work as:
- Food & Sustainability Journalist
- Content Strategist – Media and Corporate Communication
- Communication Manager – Food and Environmental Organizations
Some graduates launch businesses in the food sector: restaurants, food production, agritech ventures and specialized startups. Their interdisciplinary training in business, innovation and food systems provides the tools to develop innovative concepts and scale enterprises.
Our alumni work as:
- Founder & CEO – Food Startup
- Owner – Innovative Food & Beverage Project
- Agritech Entrepreneur
UNISG graduates contribute to policy development and program implementation in government agencies, NGOs and international organizations. They work on food policy, agricultural development, nutrition and sustainability, addressing food security and systemic change at both local and global levels.
Our alumni work as:
- Food Policy Officer – NGO or International Organization
- Programme Coordinator – FAO / UN Agencies
- Agricultural Development Consultant – Government Bodies
Consulting firms employ UNISG graduates to support food companies, retailers and organizations on strategy, sustainability, supply chain management and innovation. Their multidisciplinary perspective enables them to assist clients in navigating complex operational and strategic challenges.
Our alumni work as:
- Sustainability Consultant – Agrifood Sector
- Gastronomic Heritage Advisor – Cultural and Territorial Institutions
- Sustainability & Supply Chain Advisor – Food & Beverage Industry
Universities, culinary schools and professional training organizations employ UNISG graduates as lecturers and trainers. They teach food systems, sustainability, culture and innovation through academic and specialized programs.
Our alumni work as:
- Lecturer in Food Systems & Sustainability
- Curriculum Developer – Culinary Schools and Professional Programs
- Trainer – Food Education Programs
The hospitality and food service sector employs graduates in management roles: restaurant management, menu development, culinary operations supervision and team coordination. They apply their gastronomic, cultural and managerial expertise to create distinctive dining experiences.
Our alumni work as:
- Restaurant General Manager
- Food & Beverage Director – Hospitality Venues
- Culinary Operations Coordinator
Work on Real Projects
With Industry Leaders
The Strategic Partners Club is an international network of organizations, businesses, and professionals operating in over 50 industry sectors: from production to distribution, from catering to food packaging. The partners recognize Pollenzo as a center of excellence in transdisciplinary research and innovation in the world of food, and collaborate with the University on concrete projects: corporate training, innovation initiatives, and shared research pathways. It is a network that students begin engaging with as early as their first year of study.
