Brian Astridge
Position: Operations Manager, Field: Food innovation, Organisation: The FOODBOWL.
Brian Astridge
Brian has broad experience in food technology having worked extensively in the food industry throughout his career.
Supporting innovation
Innovation draws on diverse knowledge and expertise. Each person involved contributes a unique knowledge and skill set, which is determined by their particular educational background, the range of experiences they are involved in through their work as well as their life outside of work.
I got into trade negotiations with Foreign Affairs and Trade while I was in the agricultural ministry, so that saw me travel to over 40 countries around the world, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, North Africa, so that was a real exciting role.
Brian has broad experience in food technology having worked extensively in the food industry throughout his career. Combined with his experience working in food and agricultural trade negotiations around the world, Brian brings a unique skill set to his position as Operations Manager at The FOODBOWL. He is well placed to help companies achieve success in commercialising new and innovative food and beverage products.
Background knowledge and experience
The background knowledge and experience that contributes to Brian’s success in his current role includes:
food technology degree
food technologist roles in a range of food areas including ham and bacon, pet food and fruit juice industries
regulatory and HACCP knowledge within the food industry for industry and the regulator
postgraduate degree in business administration
trade negotiator with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Brian Astridge: supporting food innovation
Brian Astridge discusses the variety of positions he has held throughout his career in food technology and explains what his current role as Operations Manager at The FOODBOWL involves.
Follow-up activities
View The FOODBOWL story and read the article Facilitating food innovation in New Zealand. List all the areas of expertise you consider a food company may need to help them succeed in developing new product ideas and exporting to overseas markets. Discuss how Brian’s various career experiences may have prepared him for his current position at The FOODBOWL.
Useful link
Find out more about The FOODBOWL and the broader food innovation network on the New Zealand Food Innovation Network website.
This article is based on information current in 2014.
