Food and Beverage Studies is a comprehensive field that focuses on all aspects of the production, processing, distribution and consumption of food and beverages. This major deals with scientific, technical and managerial knowledge related to the food and beverage industry, with an emphasis on quality, safety, innovation and sustainability.

Fields of study in food and beverage studies:
Food Science:

• Food Chemistry: The study of the chemical composition of foods and how different processes affect quality, flavor, and nutritional value.
• Food Microbiology: The study of microorganisms that affect the safety and quality of food.

Food Technology:

• Manufacturing processes: Developing and improving food and beverage production processes using modern technologies.
• Packaging: Designing packaging materials and techniques that maintain the quality and safety of food products.

Food Quality and Safety Management:

• Quality standards: Implement quality management systems such as HACCP and ISO 22000 to ensure the safety of food products.
• Risk Analysis: Evaluating and managing risks related to food and beverage production.

Product Development:

• Product Innovation: Designing and developing new food products that meet the needs and preferences of consumers.
• Sensory tests: Evaluate the sensory properties of products such as taste, texture and appearance.

Nutrition and Health:

• Nutritional value: Analyzing and evaluating the nutritional value of foods and their impact on public health.
• Functional Nutrition: Developing functional foods that support health and enhance immunity.

Business and Marketing Management:

• Marketing strategies: Develop marketing plans to strengthen brands and increase sales.
• Supply Chain Management: Improving supply chain efficiency to ensure products are delivered effectively.

Required skills:

• Extensive scientific and technical knowledge: in the fields of chemistry, biology, technology, and engineering.
• Analytical and research skills: Ability to analyze data and develop innovative solutions.
• Technical capabilities: to use modern tools and techniques in food production and processing.
• Project Management Skills: To plan, implement and manage food production projects effectively.
• Communication skills: to transfer knowledge and interact with work teams, customers and suppliers.

Work fields:

• Food companies: Work in food and beverage production companies to develop and improve products.
• Laboratories and research centers: Conduct research to improve production processes and product quality.
• Government Bodies: Work with food regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with health and quality standards.
• NGOs: Participation in nutrition and public health programs.
• Education: Teaching food science and technology in schools and universities.

Importance of food and beverage studies:

• Achieving food security: contributes to the production of sufficient foodstuffs to meet the needs of the growing population.
• Ensuring food safety: Ensures that safe and healthy food is produced for consumers.
• Improving the quality of life: It contributes to providing high-quality foods that support health and well-being.
• Innovation and Development: Supports innovation in the food and beverage industry to meet changes in consumer needs and preferences.

Food and beverage studies applications:

• New Product Development: Creating new products that meet market needs such as organic and gluten-free foods.
• Improving production processes: applying modern technologies to improve efficiency and reduce waste in production processes.
• Sustainable Packaging: Developing environmentally friendly packaging solutions that maintain product quality and reduce waste.
• Marketing and Distribution: Develop effective marketing strategies to reach consumers and increase sales.

The Food and Beverage Studies major combines scientific knowledge with practical applications to ensure the production of high-quality and safe foodstuffs, making it a field of great impact in improving the health and well-being of consumers and supporting economic development.