Michele Canar
About Michele Canar
Michele Canar serves as the R and D and Technical Manager at Grecian Delight Foods, where she has worked since 2015. With a strong background in food science and extensive experience in developing Greek and Mediterranean food products, she has held various roles in the food industry, including positions at Purecircle and Whitewave Foods.
Current Role at Grecian Delight Foods
Michele Canar serves as the R and D and Technical Manager at Grecian Delight Foods, a position she has held since 2015. In this role, she focuses on the development of Greek and Mediterranean food products, leveraging her extensive experience in the industry. Her responsibilities include overseeing research and development initiatives, ensuring product quality, and driving innovation within the company's product lines.
Previous Experience at Purecircle
Prior to her current role, Michele Canar worked at Purecircle as an Application Manager from 2009 to 2014. During her five years in this position, based in Chicago, Illinois, she contributed to the development and application of food products, enhancing her expertise in the food science sector.
Educational Background in Food Science
Michele Canar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which she completed from 1987 to 1991. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Science in Food Science from the University of Minnesota between 1991 and 1993. Additionally, she earned a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Sustainability from the University of Colorado Denver from 2006 to 2011.
Expertise in Product Development
Michele Canar possesses extensive experience in developing a variety of food products, particularly within the Greek and Mediterranean cuisines. Her portfolio includes flatbreads, dips, spreads, specialty meats, and desserts. She has a strong background in product commercialization for consumer packaged goods companies, demonstrating her capability in bringing innovative food products to market.
Career Progression and Previous Roles
Michele Canar has held several significant positions throughout her career. She worked as a Product QA and R and D Manager at Safeway from 2000 to 2004, and as an R and D Manager at Whitewave Foods from 2004 to 2009. She also served as a Consultant at Knechtel Inc. for a brief period in 2015. These roles have contributed to her comprehensive understanding of the food and beverage industry.