When many people think about food and beverage processing, they picture a production line or factory floor. But according to industry leaders, that perception barely scratches the surface of one of Alberta’s most diverse, innovative, and rewarding industries. 

During the August 26th Career Insights session hosted by the Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA) and CareersNOW!, industry professionals came together to share their experiences and shed light on the many careers that exist within Alberta’s growing food and beverage sector. 

Leading the conversation was AFPA Executive Director Bianca Parsons, who spoke passionately about the opportunities available across the industry. 

“When people hear food and beverage processing, there’s sometimes a little bit of a misunderstanding of who we are,” Parsons explained. “When I look at our members, we have so many different companies and so many different career paths. Sometimes we get stuck on the language instead of looking at what the industry actually offers.” 

That message was echoed by Brian Espiritu, Business Analytics and Product Manager at Foothills Creamery and a member of AFPA’s Board of Directors. 

“People instantly visualize a production floor,” said Espiritu. “Production is important, but there’s so much more beyond that… It’s a combination of traditional business careers and specialized food manufacturing roles.” 

Matt Labine, Business Development Lead with NAIT’s Applied Research Centre, agrees. 

“Food processing encompasses so much,” he said. “You’ve got accounting, finance, HR and all the front-office activities you would find in any business. But then there’s this whole other layer involving food safety, innovation, technology, regulatory requirements, research and product development. There’s a whole world there that people don’t always see until they’re part of it.” 

A Career Path You Might Not Expect 

Both Labine and Espiritu entered the industry through non-traditional paths, proving that there is no single route into food manufacturing. 

Labine graduated with a Bachelor of Science but wasn’t sure what direction he wanted to take. 

“What I knew was that I didn’t want to spend my life doing one thing forever,” he said with a smile. “I started as a Quality Control Technician because I knew how to run analyses and work in a lab. That role became my foothold into manufacturing, and eventually into the food sector.” 

What he discovered was an industry filled with stability and opportunity. 

“Everybody has to eat,” Labine noted. “Food doesn’t go through the same boom-and-bust cycles as some other industries. It might not always make headlines, but it’s steady, it’s growing, and there are opportunities everywhere.” 

For Espiritu, the journey began with a science background and an entry-level quality assurance role at Foothills Creamery. 

“I started as a QA Supervisor,” he explained. “I learned about food safety, auditing, production processes and operations. As time went on, I had opportunities to lead plant operations and work across different departments. Later, I completed my MBA while still working full-time.” 

Today, his role bridges business analytics, product development and innovation. 

“One day I’m analysing sales and production data. The next I’m researching consumer trends, developing new products or working with food scientists and suppliers. No two days are the same, and that’s one of the reasons I love it.” 

Learning, Growing and Moving Up 

One of the most encouraging themes throughout the discussion was the industry’s commitment to training and career advancement. 

Labine credits much of his professional growth to employer-supported learning opportunities and industry training. 

“I didn’t have formal food safety qualifications when I started,” he said. “I took HACCP training, internal auditor training and other courses through AFPA. Those certifications opened doors and helped me advance into leadership roles.” 

Espiritu has seen the same firsthand. 

“Most entry-level workers receive on-the-job training,” he explained. “We’ve hired people from software, energy and many other industries. If you’re willing to learn, there are opportunities to grow. Foothills supported my career development and education, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.” 

Parsons noted that these stories are common throughout Alberta’s food sector. 

“I think there was once a belief that the food industry was only an entry-level job and there wasn’t much room to grow,” she said. “But that’s simply not the case anymore. Companies invest in their people, and there are incredible opportunities to build long-term careers.” 

Innovation Is Creating New Career Opportunities 

The industry is also evolving rapidly as consumer preferences change. 

Espiritu recently helped lead the launch of a protein ice cream product at Foothills Creamery, a project that brought together multiple teams and disciplines. 

“Consumer trends create opportunities across the entire business,” he explained. “A single product idea involves research, formulation, regulatory compliance, procurement, supply chain, marketing, production and sales. It creates work for countless professionals across the organization.” 

Labine sees similar trends through NAIT’s applied research work. 

“We’re seeing huge interest in protein-forward products, food innovation and technology adoption,” he said. “There are opportunities today in software, analytics, research, procurement and many areas that people wouldn’t traditionally associate with food manufacturing.” 

Alberta Needs Talent 

The panel highlighted several occupations currently in high demand across Alberta’s food and beverage sector, including: 

• Quality Assurance and Food Safety 

• Production and Manufacturing 

• Maintenance and Millwright Trades 

• Procurement and Supply Chain 

• Marketing and Sales 

• Product Development and Research 

• Customer Service and Brand Ambassador Roles 

• Analytics and Data Management 

Parsons also highlighted opportunities in graphic design, packaging, branding and marketing. 

“Consumers don’t just buy products because of taste,” she said. “Packaging, branding and storytelling matter more than ever. We’re seeing Alberta companies create products that truly jump off the shelf.” 

Discover Your Future with CareersNOW!  

Helping Albertans explore these opportunities is the goal of CareersNOW! in Alberta. 

The award-winning initiative has already helped thousands of students and job seekers learn about careers in food and beverage manufacturing in Ontario. Now, through a partnership with AFPA and support from the Government of Alberta, CareersNOW! is bringing that success to Alberta. 

“We’re excited to share their message here in Alberta,” Parsons said. “This is just the beginning. Careers Now has done some incredible work in Ontario and we’re excited about what we can possibly do here in Alberta. There’s going to be lots more to come and that’s something that I can take away is how we can better connect people that are looking for jobs in this space.” 

For those interested in learning more, networking is one of the best places to start. 

“AFPA events are a fantastic opportunity,” said Labine. “You’ll meet the people who are actually working in the industry. You build relationships, you make connections, and often that’s where opportunities begin.” 

The conversation concluded with a simple but powerful message. 

“People who work in food tend to stay in food,” Labine reflected. “You fall in love with the people, the products and the industry itself. Once you’re in it, you usually don’t want to leave.” 

Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, an experienced professional, or someone considering a career change, Alberta’s food and beverage industry offers opportunities to learn, grow and build a meaningful career. 

Through CareersNOW! and AFPA, discovering that next opportunity has never been easier. 

Register for the next Career Insights Session on October 7: https://bit.ly/4hwHzjg

Learn more about CareersNOW: https://afpa.com/careersnow