Company Description Ascona Foods Group, established in 1994, is a leading global supplier of specialty food ingredients to industrial manufacturers. The company provides functional ingredients, products, and processing techniques that enhance product performance, quality, and flavor. With facilities in Canada, the USA, Europe, and Southeast Asia, Ascona operates production sites, development laboratories, and fully equipped pilot plants. A multidisciplinary team of biochemists, food scientists, and meat experts drives Ascona’s strong research and development capabilities, supported by multiple patents and trademarks that shape industry standards. The organization is deeply committed to client partnership, delivering high-quality ingredients at competitive prices through exceptional service and tailored product development.
Role Description The Product Development Associate is a full-time, on-site role based in Mississauga, ON. This role supports the end-to-end development of new and existing specialty food ingredients, working closely with R&D, production, and quality teams. Day-to-day responsibilities include assisting with formulation design, conducting trials in pilot plant and lab environments, analyzing results, and documenting product specifications. The individual will collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to manage projects, support scale-up and commercialization, and ensure products meet regulatory, performance, and customer requirements. The role also involves maintaining detailed records, preparing technical documentation, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives in product performance and process efficiency.
Qualifications
- Candidates should possess strong Product Development and Product Lifecycle Management skills for creating, refining, and supporting ingredients from concept to commercialization.
- Candidates should possess solid Analytical Skills to interpret data, evaluate trial outcomes, and troubleshoot formulation and process issues.
- Candidates should possess effective Communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present technical information clearly and accurately.
- Candidates should possess Project Management abilities to coordinate timelines, resources, and deliverables across multiple development projects.
- Relevant qualifications include a degree or diploma in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering, or a related field; experience in food ingredients or food manufacturing is an asset.
- Familiarity with laboratory and pilot plant equipment, food safety and quality standards, and basic regulatory requirements is beneficial.
- Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team are important.
