From Loughry graduate to NPD Technologist: Gemma Walker's journey in food innovation

Date published: 10 September 2026

A graduate of the BSc (Hons) Food Innovation and Nutrition programme, Gemma achieved a First-Class Honours degree in 2025 and now works as an NPD (New Product Development) Technologist at Mackle Food Company.

Reflecting on her journey, Gemma credits her time at Loughry Campus with providing both the technical knowledge and practical experience needed to build confidence and succeed in her career.

“CAFRE gave me the technical foundation and confidence I needed to step into industry. The practical, hands-on nature of the course meant I wasn't just learning theory, I was applying it in real-life situations. It gave me a strong understanding of both the science behind food production and the realities of working in the food industry.”

Through being awarded a bursary with Dale Farm as part of CAFRE’s Industry Support Programme, Gemma gained valuable insight working within the company’s Technical Department.

“My summer placement at Dale Farm gave me an early understanding of quality, compliance and factory processes. Many of the skills I developed during that time are still part of my day-to-day role.”

Gemma later completed a placement year at Mackle Food Company, an innovative business who are in the centre of the private label baby food and snacking sectors. During this time her passion for New Product Development developed. She commented: “My interest and curiosity in a career in food grew. Seeing how ideas become real products made me realise this was exactly the type of work I wanted to do.”

Following graduation, Gemma returned to Mackle Food Company as an NPD Technologist. Over the past year, she has taken on increasing responsibility, managing projects independently, leading factory trials and working closely with colleagues across multiple departments. Her role involves developing products from concept to launch, coordinating factory trials, refining formulations and working closely with production, technical and commercial teams. For Gemma, this collaborative approach is what makes the food industry so exciting.

“I love that food brings together science, creativity and real-world impact. There's something incredibly rewarding about seeing a product you've helped develop make it onto shelves and become part of people's everyday lives. The food industry moves quickly, and I enjoy the challenge of turning ideas into something consumers will want and enjoy. I've had the chance to work alongside some well-known brands and learn from people with a huge range of expertise and knowledge. Every project brings an opportunity to learn something new.”

As she continues to develop her career, Gemma's story highlights the value of combining academic study with practical industry experience, her journey demonstrates how the opportunities available at Loughry Campus can help students build rewarding careers within the food sector. 

If you or someone you know thrives in a team environment, seeks a non-desk-bound career, enjoys practical problem-solving, values travel opportunities, and desires a challenging, yet rewarding career with promising job prospects, consider studying at Loughry Campus.

With a growing need for skilled and qualified professionals to drive innovation and promote sustainability CAFRE has recently updated its full-time food degree offerings. These include a BSc (Hons) Degree in Food Innovation Management with pathways in Technology and Nutrition, and a BSc (Hons) Degree in Sustainable Agri-Food Management. 

Find out more at our Open Day events on Tuesday 6 October, book now on the CAFRE website.