Food Processing Development Centre

Overview

The Food Processing Development Centre is a modern, fully equipped pilot plant and product development laboratory facility. It is staffed with experienced food scientists, engineers and technologists who work with entrepreneurs to develop and fine-tune their products.

Services

Centre services are designed to strengthen and expand the capability of Alberta's food processors to meet the challenges of the marketplace. This is achieved through the development of new or improved products and processes. The centre also provides interim processing for businesses to produce product for retail and food-service markets. The centre is not a co-packer/toll processor.

Application for technical assistance

Complete the PDF application form (PDF, 133 KB) or Word application form (DOCX, 736 KB) and email it to Food Processing Development Centre.

Alternatively, you can print the form and mail it to:
Food Processing Development Centre
6309 45 Street
Leduc, Alberta  T9E 7C5

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.

Sensory Evaluation

In-house, trained panels are used for quality assurance, shelf life and research studies while consumer panels are used to gauge the acceptability relative to competing products on the market. Consumer panels are generally involve approximately 75 consumers and take place in targeted market areas. Panel costs are based upon the amount of time Centre scientists spend on each project.

Consultation Services

Centre Scientists and Engineers may provide these services. The charges relate to the time spent on a contracted project and can apply to work done at the Centre or at the client's facility. Consultation outside of the Centre seldom occurs due to the preponderance of work to be done on-site.

Benchtop Development

This 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 Engineer (note the difference in fees).

Pilot plant Development

This 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 this fee. The Food Processing Development Centre's pilot plant is licensed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as a meat processing facility, as a dairy plant and under the Canada Processed Foods Act/Processed Fruit and Vegetable Regulations.

Interim Processing

This refers to pilot plant use for a specified period of time beyond the developmental period. Clients may contract the use of the pilot plant to manufacture their products for the market while their own facilities are being upgraded or constructed. 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.

Post Processing Cleaning

Fees are charged to recover the Centre's cost of contracted cleaning services required to meet regulatory requirements. These fees apply only when the contracting of outside cleaners in necessary.

Handling and Storage

Storage of finished products in a controlled temperature environment and of dry goods is limited by the space available. Fees will be applied only when excessive amounts or lengths of storage occur.

Equipment

Batter and Breading

Dry Processing

Laboratory

Analytical Equipment

Bench Top Processing Equipment

Meat Processing

Packaging

Wet Processing

Bakery

Staff and specializations

Management

Scientists and Specialists

Technical and Support

Contact

To 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)

To contact Ken Gossen, executive director:
Phone: 780-980-4860
Email: ken.gossen@gov.ab.ca

To contact Wanda Aubee, food science and development director:
Phone: 780-980-4864
Email: wanda.aubee@gov.ab.ca

To contact Dan Graham, operations director:
Phone: 780-980-4866
Email: dan.graham@gov.ab.ca

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