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.

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Check out next: Kaylah Farina, Product Development Manager at Sigma US

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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?

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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

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📙 Career Guides
💭 Career Advice

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💼 Leslie Herbas LinkedIn
🌐 Ascona Food Group Website
💼 Ascona Food Group LinkedIn

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Mohammad Kathawala, a senior project engineer at Agri-Neo, explains what it takes to work in food safety engineering. He describes how project engineers translate technology into systems that work in real food processing environments, often across global operations. Mohammad shares how his engineering background led him into the food industry, what his role looks like day to day, and why communication and continuous improvement matter as much as technical skill. The conversation also covers how food safety technology is changing and what students and early-career engineers should know before entering the field.

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Explore food industry careers with CareersNOW!: https://careersnow.ca/

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?

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TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction to Food Safety Engineering
(03:02) What a Project Engineer Does in Food Safety
(06:09) Agri-Neo's Technology and Food Quality Focus
(09:08) Understanding Client Needs and Equipment
(11:50) Global Operations and Cultural Differences
(15:05) Measuring Success in Engineering Projects
(18:10) Continuous Improvement and Client Relationships
(20:49) Skills Aspiring Engineers Should Build
(23:50) Career Path and Industry Evolution
(26:58) The Future of Food Safety Technology
(30:09) Advice for Future Engineers

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📙 Career Guides
💭 Career Advice

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CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

💼 Mohammad Kathawala LinkedIn
🌐 Agri-Neo Website
💼 Agri-Neo LinkedIn
▶️ Agri-Neo YouTube

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💼 LinkedIn

Explore food industry careers with CareersNOW!: https://careersnow.ca/

Jayana Kaiprath is the Talent Acquisition Manager at Give & Go Prepared Foods, helping students and professionals land their next opportunity in the food industry.

Give & Go Prepared Foods, part of the Mondelēz family of brands, makes iconic treats like two-bite® brownies and supports employee growth at every stage of their career.

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