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That's A Food Job!Author: FoodGrads
No matter what your passion is, there's a career for everyone in foodand we're here to help you find it! On this podcast, we interview professionals across the food processing sector to uncover the stories behind their unique roles Discover what they do, why they do it and how they are shaping the world of food. Whether you're a student figuring out your next steps, a young professional seeking career guidance, or an industry veteran exploring new opportunities, this podcast offers valuable insights to help you navigate your career journey. Join host Veronica Hislop as she speaks with experts from all corners of the food industry. From food scientists to farmers, plant managers to programmers, food safety technicians to skilled trades, supply chain managers to sales, we'll explore a wide range of exciting careers. We're here to celebrate food industry professionals and proudly sayThat's a Food Job! Language: en Genres: Arts, Business, Careers, Food Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Balancing Function, Regulation, and Scale in Meat Product Development with Leslie Herbas at Ascona Foods (#119)
Sunday, 18 January, 2026
Leslie Herbas is a Product Development Specialist at Ascona Food Group a global supplier of specialty food products. Leslie shares insights into her role, emphasizing that product development is not just about flavor but also about functional ingredients and navigating complex regulatory requirements, especially in the meat industry. She discusses the importance of customization in creating dry blends and edible films, which enhance the flavor and shelf life of meat products. Leslie also highlights the significance of documentation in ensuring that products meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations. Throughout the conversation, Leslie reflects on her journey in the food industry, from her beginnings as a production supervisor to her current role in product development. She emphasizes the importance of problem-solving skills, adaptability, and continuous learning in this dynamic field. Leslie encourages aspiring food scientists to experiment in their own kitchens, replicate products, and understand the functional ingredients involved. --- Shownotes --- Check out next: Kaylah Farina, Product Development Manager at Sigma US --- CareersNOW! is Food and Beverage Ontario's multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNOW.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development. CareersNOW! - What can you do with an Engineering Degree? --- TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Introduction to Food Product Development and Problem-Solving (01:05) What a Product Development Specialist Does at Ascona (03:10) Customizing Dry Blends, Edible Films, and Casings (05:13) From Bench-Top Formulation to Plant Trials (07:07) What Documentation Means in Product Development (10:34) Regulatory and Administrative Work in the Meat Industry (15:57) Building Confidence Through Experience and Failure (18:09) Managing Multiple Projects and Scaling Up (23:07) Practicing Product Development Skills at Home (29:56) Career Path from Production to Product Development (37:38) Why Problem-Solving Starts with Planning (43:27) Learning from Production Teams and Operators -- 📙 Career Guides 💭 Career Advice --- CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 💼 Leslie Herbas LinkedIn 🌐 Ascona Food Group Website 💼 Ascona Food Group LinkedIn CONNECT WITH US 🐦 X 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💼 LinkedIn
