Ava Nutrition
Food Scientist | MSc Food Science | PMP® | Innovation Strategist
I'm a certified food scientist (MSc Food Science, PMP®) with 10+ years turning ideas into shelf-ready, regulation-compliant food innovations. I work at the intersection of food science, business strategy, and community impact — helping micro-producers, early-stage brands, and institutions build products people love and regulations approve. From recipe development and food safety audits to innovation workshops and government procurement, I offer end-to-end support for the food industry. I'm also actively seeking full-time Innovation Management roles and grants to launch Ottawa's first Food Innovation Boutique Centre.
Why work with Ava?
- MSc Food Science + PMP® Certified — rare combo of science and project management rigor
- 10+ years developing products from concept to commercial launch for food brands
- HACCP-certified auditor — food safety compliance for micro and early-stage producers
- Trained 200+ food entrepreneurs through hands-on innovation workshops
- Successfully supported 3 early-stage companies in securing federal food innovation grants
- Actively seeking Innovation Management roles & government procurement contracts
- Passionate painter and home baker — creativity flows through everything I do
Okanagan Fruit Preserve Innovation Line
Led end-to-end product development for a BC-based fruit preserve brand expanding into national retail. Developed 6 new SKUs, managed shelf-life validation, created HACCP plan, and coordinated co-packer transition.
Ottawa School Board Food Innovation Curriculum
Designed and delivered a 12-week food science and innovation curriculum for Grade 11-12 students across 3 Ottawa-area high schools. Included sensory science labs, food entrepreneurship modules, and guest expert panels.
Micro-Producer Incubator Program – Phase 1
Designed and ran a 10-week incubator for 8 Ottawa-area micro food producers. Covered food safety compliance, recipe scaling, labelling, costing, and market positioning. Funded by a CFDC community grant.
Food Safety Audit for Micro-Producers
Full HACCP-based food safety audit for home-based and micro food businesses. Includes written report, risk ranking, corrective action plan, and 1-hour debrief. Compliant with CFIA and provincial requirements.
Recipe Development Package (3 SKUs)
Custom recipe development for 3 product SKUs including ingredient sourcing, formulation, sensory testing, nutritional estimate, and scaling guide. Perfect for brands ready to go to market.
Food Innovation Workshop (Half-Day)
Interactive half-day workshop on food product innovation, trend analysis, consumer insights, and rapid prototyping. Ideal for food company teams, co-ops, or accelerator cohorts. Max 20 participants.
Early-Stage Food Business Development Consulting
Monthly retainer or per-session business development support for early-stage food companies. Covers go-to-market strategy, regulatory roadmap, pitch prep, and grant navigation. Billed per hour.
What Ava is currently seeking
Ready to work with Ava?
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