Food Processing Development Centre

Overview

Through a combination of expertise, specialized facilities, product development, applied research, and interim processing, the Food Processing Development Centre (FPDC) fosters growth and commercialization of food, beverage and ingredient manufacturing companies. Working with industry stakeholders and companies of all sizes, the FPDC helps build Alberta value-added processing capacity and supports industry as it pursues new and existing opportunities.

The FPDC is a modern, 65,000 square foot pilot plant and product development laboratory equipped with more than $20,000,000 in equipment that supports food product innovation along the full development and commercialization continuum. Clients can access technical consultation, benchtop development, pilot plant development, scale-up, business development, applied research and interim processing services.

Services

Product and process development and scale-up

The FPDC, a centre of excellence, offers access to expertise, knowledge and facilities as companies strive to develop and introduce new value-added products to market. Whether a company is a startup with an exciting idea, has a prototype ready for optimization, is reformulating in response to consumer demand or is at any stage along the development continuum, the FPDCs established product and process development and scale-up process is a pathway to commercialization.

Benchtop development refers to the use of the laboratory or test kitchen for product development. Clients may use the facility on their own, or with assistance from a centre scientist or technologist (note the difference in fees).

Pilot plant development refers to the use of the pilot plant for the commercialization of products under development or the production of products for test market purposes. The assistance of technologists skilled in the use of the centre's equipment is included in the fee. The FPDC’s pilot plant is licensed and inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

The facility works with clients to attain CFIA licenses under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations as required for their processing. The FPDC has various capabilities in the areas of meat, dairy, fruit, vegetable and grain processing.

Laboratory support

The FPDC lab provides on-site food safety, quality, and analytical testing in support of product development and interim processing activities. The lab is not accredited therefore does not provide accredited analysis or other commercially available lab services. Additionally, shelf life or market testing services are not offered.

Applied research

FPDC food scientists engage in applied research collaborations with industry clients and other stakeholders to support:

• individual companies as they pursue opportunities and respond to challenges through the development of new products or adoption of innovative process and technologies
• industry stakeholders to realize their own research agenda by accessing FPDC scientific expertise and facilities

Consultation services

FPDC scientists provide consultation services to clients. The related charges for this service are based on the time spent at the FPDC and at the client facility.

Interim processing

Interim processing is a short-term processing solution where companies can access the FPDC pilot plant to produce their product for sale. This service assists businesses in introducing their product(s) to market until they are able to graduate to their own facility, enter into an arrangement with a co-packer, or potentially move into the Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator (APBI). The FPDC works with clients to attain CFIA licenses under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations as required for their processing. The FPDC has various capabilities in the areas of meat, dairy, fruit, vegetable and grain processing. Product produced can be exported, however export eligibility is dependent upon country and product category requirements.

The daily fee will depend upon the complexity of the process and the amount and kind of space utilized. All costs related to the manufacture, packaging and distribution of products produced in the pilot plant, including cleaning and sanitation, are the responsibility of the client. FPDC is not a co-packer or toll processor so clients are responsible for securing production staff for all interim processing work.

Interim processing requires a client company representative to be part of the processing day to oversee activities, supervise company staff, and make decisions on behalf of the company.

Post processing cleaning

A trained third party conducts all post processing sanitation at FPDC and the cost of the sanitation related to a project is billed to the client.

Handling and storage

Incoming ingredients and finished products can be stored short term at FPDC. However, due to space limitations, long-term storage of client materials is not permitted.

Business development

Clients with Service Agreements have access to Business Development Officers (BDOs). BDOs provide business development coaching and assist with identifying programs, services, resources and connections to help grow and expand your business. Connect with a BDO.

Application process

Complete the application for technical assistance form and save it to your computer or print it off. Email it to [email protected] or mail it to:

Food Processing Development Centre
6309 45 Street
Leduc, Alberta   T9E 7C5

For more information regarding the application form, call 780-986-4793 or email [email protected].

Upon receipt of your application you will be contacted by a Business Development Officer or a Food Scientist to further understand the technical requirements and business readiness of the project.

Fee schedule

Daily rates are based upon a 7.25 hour day.

These fees apply to Alberta companies or companies that have processing facilities in Alberta. Fees for out-of-province clients will be negotiated prior to signing a contract, but in most cases will be double those quoted above.

Start Up Visa inquiries

FPDC and APBI engage with clients and tenants in the development of food products, food manufacturing processes, pilot plant development, interim processing and food processing business incubation. In addition, the facilities are considered a 'designated incubator' under the Start Up Visa (SUV) Program with the Government of Canada.

We may choose to certify those for SUV consideration provided they have already qualified for one of the programmes offered at the FPDC and APBI. We do not consider ourselves as a means to get a start up visa. Rather, we use our status as a designated incubator to assist our clients and tenants with projects related to food manufacturing.

If you have any questions, email: [email protected]

Equipment

Dry processing

Wet processing

Size reduction

Injection and tenderizing

Mixing and tumbling

Forming and stuffing

Batter, pre-dust, bread application

Thermal processing

High pressure processing – non-thermal

Freezing

Packaging

Benchtop processing equipment

Laboratory analytical equipment

Bakery

Staff and specializations

Management

Scientists and specialists

Technical and support

Business development

Contact

Connect with the Food Processing Development Centre:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-986-4793
Fax: 780-986-5138
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)

Ken Gossen, Executive Director
Phone: 780-980-4860
Email: [email protected]

Dan Graham, Director, Operations
Phone: 780-980-4866
Email: [email protected]

Michelle Sigvaldson, Director, Food Science and Development
Phone: 780-980-4820
Email: [email protected]

Address:
Food Processing Development Centre
6309 45 Street
Leduc, Alberta T9E 7C5