With nearly two decades of experience as a food technologist, Esperanza has developed a strong skillset in food safety, quality assurance and project management, which has given her valuable insights into the industry’s best practices. She has audited leading supermarkets in New Zealand, ensuring that food made in-store meets the highest standards of safety and quality, and is a qualified trainer in food safety and biosecurity.

On a producer level, Esperanza has been through The Kitchen Project Programme herself with her business www.mushroomate.co.nz and credits the programme with giving her the best possible start to her journey as an entrepreneur.