April 2020

Ben’s Story

By Ben King

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Ben King

Food Development and Innovation BSc (Hons)

Food-to-go product developer

On graduation, Ben was snapped up as a junior product developer for Adelie Foods, the company behind food-to-go brand Urban Eat and major contract caterers such as Compass.

In his role, he develops everything from sandwiches and wraps to salads and hot pots, using the skills and knowledge he gained at University College Birmingham.

He also regularly conducts food research trips, where he helps to formulate ideas and oversee products from initial brief to full concept and production.

He said his degree set him up for the graduate role he had been striving for.

“I was able to get hands-on with both practical and theory-based learning using the kitchens and food science labs across the 4th floor of the Summer Row campus,” said Ben, who worked on Christmas ranges for Aldi, Sainsburys and M&S on his course work placement at Cranswick- Lazenby’s, one of the UK’s largest pork product manufacturers.

“This gave me strong practical and knowledge-based skills, from food knowledge to business acumen.

“My favourite module was Sensory Science as who doesn’t love eating as part of your degree? It was really interesting to learn how our environment, emotions and approach can change the way we perceive food.”

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