What is Food Business Management?

Prepare yourself for a career in food business or agri-food management by gaining insight to business theory and agricultural science. This major offers a variety of educational opportunities to develop expertise in the science and business of food, as well as the business management skills needed to operate effectively in the food industry. Courses cover the scientific and economic relationships that influence the food industry, including topics like food chemistry and microbiology to food economics and business management.

Is this program for me?

Advance your interests in the food business industry by gaining both business and scientific skills in this program is jointly offered by the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences and the Alberta School of Business. Coursework challenges students to applied projects that call upon both subject areas, such as drafting a food-related business plan, or working as a group on a theoretical food production start-up company. 

Students in this program can participate in the Alberta School of Business Co-op Program, one of the top four business programs in Canada. During this co-op you’ll combine classroom learning with on-the-job training to give you experience toward a successful career in the food and grocery sectors.

Careers

  • Agri-Food Sales and Marketing Manager
  • Agrologist
  • Business Development Officer
  • Credit/Loans Manager
  • Food Manufacturing Manager
  • Food Processing Plant Supervisor
  • Food Processor Consultant
  • Fund Development Professional
  • Investment Advisor
  • Management Consultant
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Marketing Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Policy Analyst

Check out the U of A’s Agricultural Career Guide for more options.

Feature Careers

Management Consultants are contracted by organizations to provide independent and objective advice. They help organizations achieve their objectives by solving problems, identifying new opportunities, enhancing learning, and implementing change. Average salary: $99,558


Market Research Analysts use data gathered about different audiences (customers, employers, and competitors) and how they respond to brands, products, and services. They use this information to improve market success. Average salary: $98,311.00

Source: Government of Alberta, Occupations in Alberta
 
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"Money makes the world go round. So a lot of the decisions that we make, whether it be food products, real estate, taxes, but also agriculture and the environment, have monetary and societal implications. Economists study the behaviour, agents and stakeholders in making economic decisions, often trying to quantify the cost of making a decision…”

 

- Professor Sven Anders is an agricultural economist with research and teaching interests in the economics of food systems, supply chains and agri-food trade. Learn from Professor Anders in one of his Agricultural and Resource Economics courses.

 

A medium shot of Kevin, in an open space inside a glass enclosed Atrium. He is smiling and looking off-camera.

 

 

Featured Courses

Food Microbiology (NU FS 363)

Environmental factors affecting the growth, activity, and destruction of microorganisms in food and their application to control foodborne illness and spoilage in the food processing and food service industries.

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Economics of Production and Resource Management (AREC 333)

Application of economic concepts and introduction of management tools related to production decision-making for resource-based businesses. Integration of biophysical and environmental relationships with economic objectives in allocating resources. Introduction to quantitative tools used in applied production management decision-making.

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Food Market Analysis (AREC 384)

Applications of price and market theories to marketing problems and issues for food and agricultural products. Topics include: market structures and marketing functions; price analysis; futures markets; economics of food safety and quality; and international food marketing.

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Advanced Management Methods and Applications for Agri-Food, Fashion and Resource Businesses (AREC 423)

Empirical applications of management research methods with applications to issues in agriculture, fashion, food, environmental and forestry industries. Emphasis is given to integrating economic and business management concepts in the development of professional business plans in areas such as agricultural, fashion, food, and resource industries. Capstone students assess the economic feasibility and analyze risks of business innovation and development strategies.

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