Food Processing Development Centre

Overview

Through a combination of expertise, specialized facilities, applied research, product development 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.

Services

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

Application for technical assistance

Complete the PDF application form (PDF, 79 KB) and email it to [email protected].

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

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.

Product and process development

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 process is a pathway to commercialization. The FPDC offers a one-stop service centre for clients to access expertise, knowledge and facilities as they strive to develop and introduce new value-added products to market.

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 this 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.

Applied research

FPDC food scientists conduct applied research in collaboration with industry clients and other stakeholders to support their research priorities:

• individual companies can pursue new and existing opportunities and respond to challenges
• industry stakeholders can identify research priorities by accessing FPDC scientific expertise and facilities
• Alberta companies can adopt innovative processes and technologies
• builds Alberta value-added processing capacity
• promotes commercialization of new or significantly improved products into local, domestic, and global markets

Sensory evaluation

The Sensory Evaluation Program uses both consumer and trained panels to support product and process development and applied research projects. Sensory panels are conducted to obtain feedback in several areas including the eating quality and attributes of food products, consumer attitudes towards product or process concepts, product packaging, health claims and more. Data captured using sensory evaluation provides clients with unbiased information to support business decisions.

Consumer panels aim to capture feedback from about 120 target market consumers from our database of approximately 4,000 consumers in the Edmonton area. Panel type and methods are customized to align with client objectives.

For inquiries on how to include our sensory evaluation services in funding applications, contact us so that our team of scientists can provide a customized budget that best aligns with your project deliverables.

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/or at the client facility.

Interim processing

Once a product or product line is developed, optimized, and successfully scaled up, FPDC supports clients as they commercialize their product through its interim processing program.

Clients can access the FPDC pilot plant to produce their product for sale as they build capacity to transition into their own production environment (as their own facilities are being upgraded or constructed) or potentially into the FPDC business incubator.

The FPDC interim processing service ensures a resource exists to support clients as they maintain momentum during this important transition step along the pathway to growth. Interim processing refers to pilot plant use for a specified period of time beyond the developmental period.

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. Note, the centre is not a co-packer or toll processor.

Post processing cleaning

Clients are responsible for cleaning costs associated with their projects.

Handling and storage

Client raw materials and finished goods inventory must be removed from the facility on a regular basis. The FPDC is not designed for long-term storage.

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

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]

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