As the global demand for high-quality, health-conscious food products continues to grow, companies like CHO Group in Tunisia have taken center stage in innovation and production particularly in the olive oil and agro-industrial sectors. For students and early-career professionals looking to break into the food industry, CHO Group’s internship programs offer a compelling and immersive experience in one of North Africa’s most prominent agribusiness enterprises. Whether you are a food science major, an agronomy student, a business intern, or an aspiring sustainability professional, the internships at CHO Group promise a comprehensive exposure to real-world challenges, advanced production methods, and a multicultural workplace.
This article provides a detailed overview of what to expect from CHO Group’s food industry internship programs, including the types of internships offered, the skills you’ll gain, day-to-day experiences, and long-term career benefits. By the end, you’ll understand how interning at CHO Group can serve as a springboard into a dynamic and globally relevant industry.
About CHO Group: A Leader in Mediterranean Agro-Industry
Established in 1996, CHO Group has grown to become one of the world’s leading producers of olive oil and related food products. Headquartered in Sfax, Tunisia, the company manages the entire value chain from olive growing and oil extraction to bottling, marketing, and global export. Their flagship brand, Terra Delyssa, is available in over 40 countries and is widely recognized for its premium, traceable, and organic extra virgin olive oils.
The company operates under a fully integrated model, which allows it to oversee every step of production and maintain the highest standards of quality and sustainability. This vertical integration offers interns a unique opportunity to understand not just isolated processes, but the entire ecosystem of food production. CHO Group also emphasizes transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship, making it a modern and ethical player in the food industry.
Internship Programs Overview
Internship opportunities at CHO Group span across various departments, including but not limited to:
- Food Science and Quality Assurance
- Agronomy and Sustainable Agriculture
- Business and International Marketing
- Supply Chain and Logistics
- Research and Development
- Information Technology and Data Analytics
- Environmental Health and Safety
The programs are typically offered throughout the year, with higher demand during the summer months and harvest seasons. Internships can range from 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on the academic requirements of the intern and the needs of the department. Many interns are sourced through partnerships with local and international universities, but independent applicants are also welcome.
A Day in the Life of a CHO Intern
Life as an intern at CHO Group is dynamic and varies by department. However, most interns start their day with a briefing or check-in with their supervisors, who outline the day’s objectives, project progress, and any cross-functional collaborations. Interns working in food science may spend their day in the company’s state-of-the-art laboratories conducting sensory analysis or testing for contaminants and quality parameters. Those in agronomy may visit olive groves to assess crop health, soil quality, or irrigation systems, often using tools like drones or GIS software. Marketing interns might be found preparing export documentation, analyzing consumer behavior in target markets, or helping design promotional campaigns for global retailers like Whole Foods or Carrefour.
Importantly, interns are not confined to menial tasks. CHO Group places strong emphasis on mentorship and project ownership, allowing interns to contribute to meaningful, often strategic, initiatives. Whether you’re helping refine an HACCP plan or conducting competitor analysis for the Terra Delyssa product line, your contributions are likely to have real-world impacts.
Skill Development and Learning Outcomes
CHO Group’s internship programs are structured to enhance both hard and soft skills, preparing interns for roles in Tunisia’s food sector and the broader international market. Key competencies developed include:
Technical Skills
- Laboratory Techniques: Understanding food safety standards such as ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, and USDA organic certifications
- Analytical Tools: Use of spectrophotometry, chromatography, and moisture analyzers in product testing
- Software Proficiency: Training in ERP systems like SAP for logistics and supply chain management, as well as CRM tools for marketing analysis
- Sustainability Metrics: Familiarity with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), carbon footprint measurement, and sustainable farming indicators
Soft Skills
- Cross-Cultural Communication: Working in a multicultural team with colleagues from Tunisia, France, Canada, and beyond
- Problem Solving: Tackling real-time issues such as production delays or non-conformities in product batches
- Teamwork and Leadership: Leading mini-projects or presenting findings to senior management teams
- Time Management: Balancing independent research, collaborative projects, and periodic reporting
These experiences often fulfill academic requirements for graduation and significantly boost employability. Many former interns cite their time at CHO Group as a turning point in their professional development.
Language and Cultural Experience
Interning at CHO Group also offers deep cultural immersion. While Arabic and French are widely spoken in Tunisia, English is the working language in many CHO departments especially those involved in export and international affairs. Interns gain exposure to multilingual environments, which is increasingly valuable in globalized food supply chains. The company also supports cultural integration by organizing social events, tours of Sfax and nearby historic sites, and language exchange sessions among interns.
Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
One of the standout aspects of an internship at CHO Group is the exposure to sustainability in practice. The company has made significant investments in renewable energy, organic farming, and waste reduction. Interns may work on projects related to:
- Composting systems for olive pomace
- Water recycling initiatives in the milling process
- Renewable energy integration in processing plants
- Biodiversity enhancement in olive groves
CHO Group’s commitment to environmental stewardship is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and interns frequently find themselves contributing to measurable sustainability targets.
Research and Innovation
CHO Group maintains a robust R&D department that collaborates with universities and research institutions around the world. Interns in this department often assist with experimental design, data collection, and literature reviews. Areas of focus may include:
- Development of fortified or flavored olive oils
- Shelf-life studies and packaging innovation
- Nutritional profiling of olive derivatives
- Study of bioactive compounds in olives and their health benefits
Interns with backgrounds in food science, chemistry, or biotechnology will find this environment intellectually stimulating and ideal for preparing a future thesis or academic paper.
Networking and Career Opportunities
CHO Group hosts regular networking events, such as guest lectures from industry leaders, alumni panels, and cross-departmental showcases. Interns are encouraged to build relationships with colleagues and mentors who can offer career advice, references, and even future job opportunities. Many interns transition into full-time roles within the company, particularly in areas like quality assurance, export logistics, and sustainable agriculture.
The company also partners with global trade shows and conferences. Interns may be invited to assist with CHO Group’s participation in events like SIAL Paris or BIOFACH, further enhancing international exposure.
Application Process and Tips
Applications are typically submitted through the CHO Group Careers Page or in partnership with academic institutions. The application process includes:
- Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your documents to highlight relevant coursework, previous internships, or research experience
- Interview: Conducted in English or French via video call, focusing on motivation, technical knowledge, and communication skills
- Project Proposal (Optional): For R&D internships, a brief proposal outlining research interests can be advantageous
Tips for success include demonstrating a genuine interest in the food industry, understanding CHO Group’s mission and products, and being open to cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Accommodation and Living in Sfax
Interns based at CHO Group’s headquarters in Sfax will find the city vibrant, affordable, and safe. Sfax is Tunisia’s second-largest city and an industrial hub with a rich history and welcoming locals. While the company does not always provide housing, it often assists international interns in finding suitable accommodation or arranges partnerships with local host families and student residences. Living expenses in Sfax are relatively low, and interns can enjoy local cuisine, historic medinas, and the Mediterranean coastline during their downtime.
Testimonials From Past Interns
Many former interns have praised the program for its holistic approach to professional and personal development. One food science student from Italy noted: “I got to work in both the lab and the production floor, which gave me a 360-degree understanding of how olive oil is made. I even helped implement a new testing protocol for peroxides.” A business intern from the U.S. shared: “I worked on a real export campaign for a new market. It felt like I was part of the team, not just an observer.”
These testimonials reinforce the value and authenticity of the CHO Group internship experience.
Conclusion
CHO Group’s food industry internship programs in Tunisia are a unique blend of practical training, cultural immersion, and professional growth. From hands-on experience in olive oil production to real-world marketing challenges and sustainability projects, the internships are designed to empower the next generation of food industry professionals. Whether you aim to pursue a career in agribusiness, food safety, international trade, or environmental management, CHO Group offers a fertile ground for learning, innovation, and networking. With a global outlook and local roots, CHO Group continues to shape the future of sustainable food production and through its internship programs, it invites you to be part of that journey.