2025 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner France Lacasse (Q&A)

France Lacasse

Senior Director, Research and Development
Burnbrae Farms

How did you get your start in the CPG business?

After graduating with my food science degree, I started my career developing new products for the foodservice industry and, over the years, moved back and forth between foodservice and retail product development. I have since worked on a wide range of new products in different categories for both the foodservice industry and retail grocery shelves. It is fun to see how these two segments can be similar from a product development perspective, yet very different at the same time. I am fortunate to work for a company that has a presence in both areas, so my team and I have the opportunity to continue working with both sides of the business.  

What is your superpower?

Many of my friends say my superpower is my energy level. I can never stop. I like to be busy and active, and I always have many projects on the go.   

What is a career challenge you've faced? 

It is difficult to only pick one here, but we all know the last few years have been challenging. We all faced a multitude of supply chain issues related to ingredient availability and packaging shortages, where we had to work together as a team to solve some of these problems to minimize the effects to our customers and consumers.

Proudest career moment? 

Oh, there are so many I could list … but what makes me really proud is when I hear people talking about how much they enjoy a specific food product and I know I was part of the team developing it and bringing it to market. I consider all these new product launches my “babies,” and given I have been in the food industry a long time I have a long list of proud accomplishments. 

What is your leadership style?

I believe in leading by example, staying true to yourself and following your dreams and passions.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I love spending time with my family and my close friends. I like to cook, bake and entertain. Our place is often the gathering place. I enjoy long, fast-paced early morning walks with girlfriends and cycling and skiing with my family.

Click here for the full list of 2025 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.