ABOUT THIS EPISODE
This episode was recorded live at the BakingTECH 2026 meeting in Chicago with our guest, Heather Simpson.
Heather Simpson has built a diverse career in the food industry, leveraging her Food Science education from Purdue University. Her journey began at Mars Corp's DoveBar plant gaining experience in production. She then transitioned to the dairy industry, working with a hydrocolloid ingredient company to support McDonald's shake and soft serve products, deepening her expertise in food ingredients and applications.
Heather's career path then led her to a sales position with Kraft Food Ingredients, where she honed her skills in client relations and business development. After a hiatus to focus on raising her sons, she re-entered the industry in a sensory role at McDonald's Corporate. Her subsequent work at Jimmy Dean / Tyson Foods involved carrier breads, adding experience in food product innovation. A brief stint at Newlyweds Foods saw her developing English muffins, before joining Tate and Lyle.
Heather is currently a Technical Service Account Manager at Tate and Lyle, focused on snack foods and alcoholic beverages. Her varied background and extensive industry knowledge have made her a valuable asset in her role, on what she affectionately calls the "party team," reflecting her enthusiasm and passion for her work.
American Society of Baking Website: https://asbe.org/
BakingTech Website: https://asbe.org/bakingtech/
Got a questions for us? Email us at wolfingdownfoodscience@ncsu.edu
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