Predictive shelf-life modeling for food products
  • Background
  • What we're looking for
  • What we can offer you
  • Who we are
  • Q&A

Kraft Heinz is seeking experts in predictive modeling for shelf life of packaged foods, specifically those in experience with leveraging data using machine learning and/or artificial intelligence.

Background

Kraft Heinz is a leading food & beverage company committed to food safety, quality, and innovation. Rapid advancement of data analytics, machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are poised to transform the way companies leverage data to drive new insights in the food industry. As part of our open innovation efforts, we are seeking external expertise to enhance our capabilities in predictive shelf-life modeling for packaged foods. Our goal is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of shelf-life prediction and testing new formulas, ensuring the highest quality and safety of our products.

What we're looking for

We are looking for experts with experience in developing and applying predictive modeling and analytics for shelf-life estimation, particularly in the context of packaged food products. Product categories of interest include sauces & condiments, beverages, powdered mixes, dessert, meal kits, cheese, and meat. The ideal expert will have a deep understanding of the data requirements and advanced modeling techniques, including machine learning and AI, to accurately predict shelf life grounded in food science, microbiology, sensory, and packaging fundamentals.

Topics of interest
  • Case studies or examples of successful implementation of predictive shelf-life modeling in the food industry

  • Data requirements for predictive shelf-life modeling (e.g., storage conditions, formulation, packaging, sensory, etc.)

  • Integration of predictive modeling with existing shelf-life testing protocols

  • Advanced data modeling techniques, including machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, neural networks, decision trees, etc.)

  • Applications of predictive shelf-life modeling for organoleptic shelf life (e.g., texture, flavor, color, aroma) and/or food safety shelf life (e.g., microbial growth, contamination)

Required qualifications
  • Advanced degree (MS or Ph.D.) in a relevant field (e.g., food science, statistics, computer science, engineering)

  • Proven experience in developing and applying predictive models for shelf-life prediction

  • Strong understanding of machine learning algorithms and data modeling and analytic techniques

Nice-to-have
We're open to experts who have experience with:
  • Experience working with food companies or in a related industry

  • Experience leveraging existing structured and unstructured data sets (including specification data & publicly available data) to build shelf-life prediction models

What's out of scope
  • Provision of laboratory testing services or equipment

  • Consulting on food safety or regulatory compliance (beyond the scope of predictive shelf-life modeling)

Expert location
  • Accepting applications from experts based in all countries

What we can offer you

Compensation
Competitive rates for a specified timeframe, with potential for funding a pilot project.
Networking
Connect with a global community of Kraft Heinz subject matter experts.
Exposure
Receive with early exposure to Kraft Heinz strategy and receive priority consideration for potential collaborations.
Who we are

Kraft Heinz is seeking experts in predictive modeling for shelf life of packaged foods, specifically those in experience with leveraging data using machine learning and/or artificial intelligence.

Reviewers
Q&A with Kraft Heinz

The Q&A is now closed.

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Q.
What is the expected budget range and total project duration? Thanks!
1
A.
Thanks for your interest! At this time, we are looking for subject matter experts to consult with on this topic. We will offer competitive compensation based on hourly rates.
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Maxine Roman, Lead, Innovation Collaboration & Partnerships, Kraft Heinz
June 12, 2025
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Q.
Hi, could you please let me know what type of meat or meat product you’re interested in?
1
A.
Great question! We are interested in shelf life of ready to eat meat, such as deli meat and hot dogs, as well as bacon.
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Maxine Roman, Lead, Innovation Collaboration & Partnerships, Kraft Heinz
June 24, 2025
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1
0
Q.
Are you open to evaluate AI platforms or products that can support your process?
1
A.
We appreciate your interest in exploring potential solutions that your company may offer. As outlined in our public request, we are currently seeking individual experts in predictive shelf-life modeling to support our initiatives, rather than solutions or company offerings. If you or any of your colleagues have relevant expertise in this area, we encourage you to submit an application for consideration as an expert consultant.
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Maxine Roman, Lead, Innovation Collaboration & Partnerships, Kraft Heinz
July 8, 2025
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Q.
What would be an estimated start and end date for the project?
1
A.
Timing and scope of the consulting project will be mutually agreed upon with the selected experts. We aim to complete consulting to develop a strategy recommendation within the year.
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Maxine Roman, Lead, Innovation Collaboration & Partnerships, Kraft Heinz
July 16, 2025
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0
0
Q.
Will you encourage applications where the experience with food industry is missing, but has good experience in developing deep learning models for unstructured/structured data.
1
A.
Thanks for the question--we are open to case studies from adjacent areas and brainstorming around how we adapt these practices in food industry.
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Maxine Roman, Lead, Innovation Collaboration & Partnerships, Kraft Heinz
July 16, 2025
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