New Product Development Analyst

Del Monte Foods; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Employerpaid life & disability insured

FSA

PTO

7 Company Paid Holidays

24/7 Telemedicine & EAP

Voluntary benefits

Job summary

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. seeks a Food Science Analyst to join its New Product Development team.

You will support formulation, testing, and commercialization of innovative food and fresh-cut fruit products, collaborating with QA, production, procurement, marketing, and food safety teams to ensure quality and regulatory compliance. The role involves conducting sensory and shelf-life tests, evaluating ingredients, and presenting findings to internal stakeholders to drive brand growth.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years in food/beverage product development or QA.
• Bachelor's in food science or related field.
• Knowledge of food processing and packaging tech.
• Experience with food safety testing methods.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMPs, FDA/USDA.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPD product formulation and iterative testing to meet shelf-life goals.
• Conduct sensory and shelf-life testing to assess quality and stability.
• Analyze market products and reverse-engineer formulations for innovation.
• Support scale-up with production teams for efficiency.
• Prepare prototypes and samples for evaluations and sales pitches.
• Perform analytical tests (pH, Brix, organoleptic) to ensure compliance.
• Investigate new ingredients and preservation methods for quality.
• Coordinate with suppliers to source high-quality materials.
• Maintain NPD ingredient inventory for ongoing trials.
• Ensure compliance with labeling and safety standards.
• Support sensory panels and consumer testing feedback.
• Document results and present findings to stakeholders.
• Propose data-driven product recommendations to teams.
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve processes for viability.
• Promote an innovative, food-forward mindset.

Skills

Product development

Quality assurance

R&D

Analytical testing

HACCP

Food safety regs

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science

Job description

Benefits We Offer Include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Employerpaid life & disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 7 Company Paid Holidays
• 24/7 Telemedicine & Employee Assistance Program
• Optional voluntary benefits (legal, accident, identity protection)
• Eligibility on the first of the month following your hire date

Purpose of Position

We are seeking a Food Science Analyst to join our New Product Development (NPD) team. This role will support the formulation, testing, and commercialization of innovative food and fresh-cut fruit products. The ideal candidate has a strong background in food science, product development, and quality assurance. They will work cross-functionally with QA, production, procurement, marketing, and food safety teams to ensure new products meet consumer expectations, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

Accountabilities:

• NPD product formulation, including iterative testing in a food-safe environment to optimize ingredients for sensorial and shelf-life objectives.
• Conduct sensory and shelf-life testing to assess product quality, flavor retention, and microbial stability.
• Research and analyze in-market products, performing reverse-engineering of competitor formulations to identify innovation opportunities.
• Ensure NPD processing and operational efficiencies, collaborating with production teams to streamline scale-up processes.
• Prepare prototypes and mock-up samples for internal evaluations, consumer testing, and sales presentations.
• Conduct analytical testing (e.g., pH, Brix, organoleptic) to assess product performance and ensure food quality and safety.
• Research and test new ingredients, processing techniques, and preservation methods to enhance product quality and extend shelf life.
• Work with suppliers and vendors to source high-quality raw materials for product development.
• Maintain a food and ingredient inventory for NPD purposes, ensuring materials are available for ongoing trials.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure new products align with food safety regulations, labeling requirements, and industry standards.
• Support sensory evaluation panels and consumer testing to optimize product flavor, texture, and appearance.
• Document testing results, prepare reports, and present findings to internal stakeholders
• Proactively brings thoughtful product recommendations to cross-functional teams that drive brand and business results.
• Ability to substantiate recommendations with research, reasoning, and data.
• Ability to work closely with suppliers in developing and improving their processes to achieve commercial viability of products.
• Fosters an innovative, curiosity-inspired, food-forward mindset in the organization.

Minimum Skills Required:

• 1-3 years of work experience in food/beverage product/process development, quality assurance, or R&D. (fresh produce experience a plus)
• Bachelor's degree in food science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Strong Knowledge of food processing, ingredient functionality, and packaging technologies.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in food testing methodologies (e.g., microbiological, chemical, and physical testing).
• Familiarity with food science equipment required
• Experience with consumer insights, culinary innovation, and nutrition.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMPs, FDA, USDA, and other food safety regulations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and teamwork capabilities.

***Please note: This position does not qualify for relocation expenses. ***

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is a global leader in the production, distribution, and marketing of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Our diverse product portfolio also includes prepared fruits and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks, and desserts-available in over 80 countries worldwide. With operations spanning more than 35 countries, we've proudly been nourishing families for over 135 years.

We are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Fresh Del Monte and its affiliates do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We also participate in E-Verify* where applicable, to ensure employment authorization eligibility. Driven by our core values-Excellence, Care, Passion, Trust, and Creativity-we invite you to explore our career opportunities and join our FRESH team.