1334 Eckles Ave
St Paul, MN 55108
United States
Support New and Existing Companies-
Technical Expertise: Identifying new or alternative dairy-based ingredients application for existing products to improve the product's functional, nutritional, and quality profiles. Proven success in developing and supporting launching of products in the market.
Execute/Manage: Design, develop, and deliver consumer-focused research ideas, development of innovative food products from concept to commercialization, and technologies that can drive business growth. Develops and manages project specific budgets to ensure success. Rapidly investigate, validate customer problems, and provide potential solutions.
Support: Build relationships with key customers, provide customized training programs and provide technical presentations, lead product and process development activities to ensure successful scale-up.
Biography
Sonia Patel, a passionate Dairy Food Scientist, and leader in Innovation brings her in-depth global experience in Research and Development, Product Development, and Project Management skills, with a primary focus on dairy ingredients and products in the different food matrices.
Technical leadership in the application of functional dairy ingredients to launch new or modified products for target consumers. Background includes applying existing or new novel ingredients such as protein and bioactive compounds in dairy and non-dairy products, studying ingredient interactions, texture optimization, cost-effective formulation solutions, and shelf-life improvements including clean label solutions.
Work with companies on projects from concept to commercialization, to achieve desired outcomes that align with consumer needs and market trends. Collaborate with suppliers and other industry contacts to seek out new ingredients, processes, and technology to enable new product development.
Currently driving and leading the Dairy Food Innovation & Application Lab for the Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center and associated with MDA, NDC and USDEC to support US dairy food manufacturers to increase the value and volume of Dairy. Bringing work experience with Fonterra Brands, New Zealand, and Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center, at SDSU & U of MN. Sonia has M.Sc. in Microbiology - Environment Biotechnology. Chair- MN-IFT Dairy Technology Division, also member of various committees including the Dairy foods division, Institute of Food Technologists (national level).