Stagiaire / Intern Regional Innovation

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Internship Assignment Regional Innovation Team Beverages Europe

Background

The Functional Beverages team is developing a portfolio of new beverage concepts within the areas of e.g. Energy or Hydration. These concepts combine consumer-relevant functionality with scientifically substantiated ingredients and attractive sensory experiences.

The starting point for product development will be the Functional Beverage Ingredient Toolbox. The toolbox provides a broad range of functional ingredients, while leaving sufficient room for the student to explore additional ingredients and innovative solutions where scientifically justified.

Objective

The objective of this internship is to support the development of innovative functional beverage concepts while building a deeper understanding of how functional ingredients influence product stability throughout shelf life.

A key part of the assignment will be identifying, understanding and mitigating ingredient interactions that may negatively affect product quality, functionality, appearance or sensory characteristics over time.

Scope of Work

1. Functional Beverage Product Development

Develop prototype beverages for selected concept platforms by translating concept ideas into practical formulations.

Activities include:

Selection of functional ingredients and dosage levels

Development of bench-top prototypes

Evaluation of technical feasibility

Documentation of formulations and observations

2. Ingredient Interaction and Shelf-Life Stability Assessment

Investigate how functional ingredients interact within beverage systems and how these interactions may impact stability during processing and storage. Examples include:

Protein-mineral interactions

Vitamin degradation pathways

Botanical ingredient stability

Fibre-protein compatibility pH-related instability mechanisms

Sedimentation, precipitation and haze formation

Colour and flavour deterioration during storage

The goal is not only to identify stability issues, but also to understand the underlying mechanisms and propose practical mitigation strategies.

Deliverables:

Stability risk assessment per concept

Overview of critical ingredient interactions

Better guidance for suitable flavour screening and selection, incl. masking

Recommendations to improve product robustness and shelf-life performance

3. Innovation Challenge

The student is encouraged to proactively identify additional technical challenges or opportunities related to functional beverages and functional ingredients.

Potential areas include:

Emerging ingredients

Novel functionality platforms

Improved stability solutions

New delivery systems

Clean-label formulation strategies

Consumer-relevant technical challenges

The student will define and execute one self-selected exploratory project.

Expected Deliverables

Prototype formulations for selected concepts

Product development report

Ingredient interaction and stability assessment

Shelf-life risk overview and mitigation recommendations

Flavour recommendation report

Final presentation of findings and recommendations

One self-initiated innovation proposal

Desired Profile

BSc or MSc student in Food Technology, Food Innovation, Chemistry or related disciplines

Interest in functional ingredients and beverages

Experimental and analytical mindset

Strong curiosity towards ingredient functionality and stability

Proactive and innovative attitude

Success Criteria

The internship will be successful when the student demonstrates:

Development of technically feasible beverage prototypes

Understanding of stability challenges associated with functional ingredients

Ability to identify and explain ingredient interaction risks

Well-supported flavour recommendations

Independent problem solving and initiative in identifying new opportunities

At Givaudan, you contribute to delightful taste and scent experiences that touch people’s lives.

We value the different perspectives that come from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

Everyone — regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, culture, religion, or any personal circumstances — is warmly welcomed at Givaudan, a place where we all love to be and grow.

Every essence of you enriches our world. Join us in making a difference together.