PRODUCT DEVELOPER PRODUCT DEVELOPER 22 23 of every department when developing a new food product. Let’s take a practical example of how Research and Development (R&D) works with every department. R&D may be assigned a specific product to develop based on a consumer trend discovered by the marketing department. For instance, blue raspberry cookies might be trending on TikTok. Based on this inspiration, the product developer will start creating different batches of cookies. The food safety and quality departments work closely with the food product developer during the trial process to ensure that the product meets all necessary food safety requirements. This requires the developer to procure ingredients from reliable sources while the department responsible for purchasing and costing coordinates the process and ensures that the ingredients are procured within the allocated budget. Lastly, and certainly most importantly, R&D works with production and operations to schedule plant trials to determine whether it is feasible to produce these cookies with their current operational capabilities. 4. Food Product Developers have Degrees In The Sciences Food product developers come from diverse educational backgrounds, including food science, nutrition, chemistry, engineering, or culinary arts. Some have a two-year diploma in technology programs, while others have completed a fouryear degree program. These backgrounds equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to create and enhance food recipes. While not mandatory, some employers prefer product developers to have a master’s or PhD in food science. An advanced degree can provide the expertise needed to analyze processes in research, development, and innovation. Typically, food product developers start their career in a different department before joining this position. Many begin in a quality control/ assurance role, as it provides them with a better understanding of how food is handled during production. 5. Food Product Developers are Problem Solvers Food product developers are skilled at problem-solving and are always prepared to handle challenges while creating new products. Whether it’s a formulation that doesn’t work or a taste that needs refinement, these developers quickly adapt and find solutions. They rely on their creativity to generate unique and intuitive solutions. Food product developers are committed to ongoing research, always exploring whether others have previously encountered and resolved similar problems, demonstrating their dedication to continuous improvement and innovation. If they cannot solve a problem independently, they will collaborate with others, such as universities and colleges, to find a solution. 6. Food Product Developers Listen To The Demands Of Consumers Developing a successful product involves understanding the specific needs and problems of the target market. For example, customers may demand a seasonal cookie with unique flavours, such as a mint-based one during the Christmas holiday season. As a food product developer, it is their responsibility to create a product that satisfies this demand. However, this process often involves a lot of trial and error. Even if a product looks good on paper, it may not resonate with customers once it is on the market. That is why developers must stay up-to-date with current trends and continuously refine their products to ensure they meet the needs and expectations of customers. 7. Food Product Developers Need To Have Technical, Practical And Scientific Knowledge Food product developers must possess technical, practical, and scientific knowledge to create high-quality products. Let’s break down what these types of knowledge are: • Technical knowledge involves understanding ingredient functionality, food processing techniques, and equipment operation. This expertise allows developers to analyze ingredient interactions, optimize processing conditions, and efficiently operate food processing equipment. • Practical knowledge is gained through handson experience in recipe development, sensory evaluation, and quality control. Developers experiment with ingredient combinations and cooking methods, evaluate taste and texture through sensory analysis, and ensure consistency in product quality through rigorous quality control measures. • Scientific knowledge is essential for developers to understand food chemistry, nutritional science, and food safety principles. By applying this understanding, they can create stable and safe food products, consider nutritional content and dietary guidelines, and implement food safety measures to prevent foodborne illnesses and comply with regulations. To succeed in this field, developers require a combination of technical knowledge of how ingredients function, practical knowledge of how to work with them in the lab, and a scientific understanding of how they apply to their products. 8. Food Product Developers Are Organized, Persistent And Creative Being a Food Product Developer demands a diverse range of skills, but some are absolutely essential. These skills are not just beneficial, they’re crucial for success in this role: • Organization — Food product developers stay organized by managing their time, maintaining detailed records, and leveraging technological tools. They must organize their time to stay on top of project deadlines and keep track of formulations to help streamline development processes. Different product developers have different methodologies for staying organized, with some relying on technological tools and others using analog methods. • Persistence —- Sometimes products take a long time to develop. Over time, enthusiasm can diminish. However, a product developer who believes in their product will continue to persevere. They must remind their team of the product’s value and encourage everyone to keep working on it. It’s not uncommon for a product to undergo numerous iterations before it becomes successful. • Creativity — Businesses must stay relevant in potential markets and stay ahead of their competition. Developers who possess creativity can devise innovative solutions to complex problems and consider new possibilities that others may not have considered. This quality gives companies a significant advantage over their competitors. Niagara College an Education Partner of ours, Check them out on FoodGrads! Click their logo below! Available Programs: Baking and Pastry Arts, Innovation and Food Technology, Culinary Management, Culinary Skills, Winery and Viticulture Technician, Brewmaster Ops Niagara College Canada Tackling challenges and growing food brands at General Mills with Matt Thell https://foodgrads.com/2024/10/30/matt-thell/ Join Matt Thell, Global Strategy & Innovation Leader at General Mills Inc., as he takes us behind the scenes of his two-decade journey shaping iconic brands like Cheerios, Pillsbury, and Häagen-Dazs. From product development on snacks like Chex Mix and Gardettos to his role as a strategic consultant, Matt reveals how his I3 process—immersion, interaction, and ideation—drives creative problem-solving. Check out our interview with Ridhima Phukan, Associate Product Developer at Danone North America! Hi! I’m Quinton, the FoodGrads Bot! For any questions please come visit me at FoodGrads.com!
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