Digital Food Science & Data Analytics Intern

About The Business: Mextapas UK Ltd produces The Island Tepache, a naturally fermented pineapple drink made from pineapple skins and rich in live cultures, vitamins and minerals. Built on sustainability and circular-economy principles, the business transforms food waste into a premium functional beverage. Our aim is to develop a scalable production model using pineapple by-products while promoting healthy living. Combining Mexican heritage with innovative food manufacturing, we target premium hospitality venues across London and the UK. To support growth, we are implementing digital quality management systems, data-driven production and compliance processes to improve consistency and scalability.

Overview: Support the development and commercial scale-up of innovative fermented food and beverage products through laboratory analysis, quality management and regulatory compliance. Conduct product testing, monitor fermentation performance, and analyse scientific data to establish product consistency and manufacturing standards. Develop digital HACCP systems, process monitoring tools and technical reports to support food safety and operational improvement. Research labelling requirements, produce compliant nutritional information and contribute to product documentation. Bridge traditional fermentation practices with modern food science and digital manufacturing to enable sustainable business growth and market expansion.

Desirable Skills: Good understanding of food chemistry and scientific analysis techniques. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Job Description:

The intern will:

Product Characterisation & Laboratory Analysis

• Conduct laboratory testing to assess pH, alcohol content (ABV), Vitamin C levels and product stability.
• Use analytical tools such as refractometry and density measurement equipment to monitor fermentation performance.
• Develop fermentation curves and establish a digital baseline for product consistency.

Food Safety & Quality Management

• Support the development and digitisation of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) documentation.
• Create digital process maps and monitoring systems to support safe commercial scale-up.
• Translate laboratory findings into practical recommendations for production improvements.

Regulatory Compliance & Product Labelling

• Research and interpret UK and EU food labelling requirements.
• Use nutritional modelling software such as Nutritics to generate compliant nutritional information.
• Support the creation of back-of-pack nutritional and regulatory information.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyse scientific and production data and present findings to the founder.
• Produce technical reports that support business decision-making.
• Contribute to the creation of repeatable, digitally auditable manufacturing standards.

Innovation & Scale-Up 

• Help bridge traditional craft fermentation techniques with modern food science and digital manufacturing practices.
• Support the business as it prepares for commercial growth and wider market distribution.

What you’ll gain:

• Hands-on experience in food science, fermentation technology and product development.
• Practical laboratory analysis experience within a real manufacturing start-up.
• Experience implementing digital quality management and data-driven production methods.

About you:

• Currently studying a BSc or MSc in Food Science, Microbiology, Nutrition, Biosystems Engineering or a related discipline.
• Access to university laboratory facilities and permission to use them for project work.
• Good understanding of food chemistry and scientific analysis techniques.
• Ability to work independently and communicate technical findings clearly.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Desirable

• Knowledge of fermentation science and fermentation kinetics.
• Understanding of UK food labelling regulations.
•  Experience of HACCP or food safety management systems.
• Interest in functional beverages, gut health, sustainability and food innovation.

This is a unique opportunity to join an innovative sustainable drinks start-up and play a key role in transforming a traditional fermented beverage into a scientifically validated, commercially scalable product. You will work closely with the founder and gain valuable industry experience while making a tangible impact on the future growth of the business.