J. Alex Wei

J. Alex Wei has a diverse and extensive work experience in the field of food product development and innovation. Starting in 1984, they worked as a Senior Food Technologist at Best Foods, where they successfully developed three new lines of soy-based products. J. Alex then moved on to Biosearch Medical Products as the Manager/Assistant Director of R&D, where they were responsible for creating and managing the formulation and product development of medical foods.

In 1989, Wei joined Elan Pharma, where they served as the International Business Manager and later as the Director of Research and Development/Quality Assurance-Regulatory Affairs. There, they developed specialty nutritional products for specific diseases and oversaw the launch of retorted/aseptic packaged tube feeding formulas.

In 1996, Wei worked as an Expert Consultant at Nu-Med, focusing on food and functional ingredients, specialty nutrition, and food product innovation. J. Alex then joined Wm. WRIGLEY Jr. Company as a Regulatory Affairs Project Manager, where they were responsible for product registration and evaluating and suggesting label claims for functional foods.

In 2000, Wei became the Director of Product Development at Lightlife Foods, where they successfully developed and launched 14 vegetarian products. J. Alex then worked at Advanced Food Labs as a Senior Associate, Technical, and was responsible for microbial testing and consulting services.

From 2004 to 2016, Wei worked at Hormel Health Labs, where they were the Product Development Manager and successfully developed an Instant Gum Food Thickener for the dysphagia market.

In 2016, Wei joined Kerry Group as a Principal Scientist, where they oversaw product commercialization and was responsible for successfully developing and commercializing 25 new products.

Most recently, starting in December 2018, Wei has been the Vice President of Product Commercialization Development at Steuben Foods. Overall, their work experience showcases their expertise in various areas related to food product development, technical services, and regulatory affairs.

J. Alex Wei obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Food Science from Chung Hsing University in 1977. J. Alex then pursued a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Food Science and Nutrition from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, which they completed in 1980. Following that, they attended Washington State University from 1980 to 1984, where they earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition, with a minor in Business Administration.

In addition to their academic achievements, J. Alex Wei obtained a certification as a Certified Food Scientist (CFS) from the IFT Product Development Division in April 2013.