Balancing Function, Regulation, and Scale in Meat Product Development with Leslie Herbas, Product Development Specialist at Ascona Food Group | That’s a Food Job!#119

About Leslie Herbas

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.

Links

? Leslie Herbas LinkedIn
? Ascona Food Group Website
? Ascona Food Group LinkedIn

Things mentioned in this episode:

This week’s episode is sponsored by:

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?

Check out the podcast below!

Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction to Food Product Development and Problem-Solving
(01:05) What a Product Development Specialist Does at Ascona Foods
(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