Product Innovation, Consumer Intelligence
Hi, I’m Kirsten. Your go-to F&B Expert specializing in Product Development.
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Kirsten Sutaria
US
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I am passionate about sustainable sourcing, recognizing the importance of ethical and environmentally responsible practices in the food industry. I believe that by championing better-for-you foods, we can make a positive impact on both individuals and the planet.
How I Work
Bio
Kirsten is a product development expert with over 13 years of experience in the creation and successful launch of innovative food and beverage products. With a dynamic career spanning North America and Europe, she has carved a niche in the industry by seamlessly bridging the gap between culinary creativity and food science.
Throughout her journey, Kirsten's impact has been felt across diverse culinary landscapes, ranging from frozen meals to tantalizing ice cream flavors and refreshing beverages. Her indelible mark is evident in collaborations with iconic brands such as innocent drinks, Ben & Jerry's, and Bertolli, where she has masterfully guided projects from concept inception to full-fledged commercialization.
The past few years have seen Kirsten embrace her entrepreneurial spirit, thriving in the thrillingly unpredictable realm of business development. As a co-founder and Head of New Product Development & Innovation at Wonderlab Doozy since January 2019, she orchestrated the creation and launch of a plant-based ice cream product, propelling the brand to prominence across approximately 400 stores in 35 states. Her responsibilities encompassed the entire spectrum of product development, from sourcing and cost analysis to manufacturing, marketing, and the meticulous management of every intricate detail in between.
Kirsten's expertise extends beyond the confines of her own ventures. As the Principal Consultant at KS2 Consulting, she collaborates closely with clients within the food and beverage industry. Her scope includes guiding clients through the intricacies of concept development, ideation, trend research, ingredient selection, recipe formulation, and efficient process and production methods.
Kirsten's remarkable journey began with her tenure at Unilever in June 2008, setting the stage for an illustrious career trajectory. Her progressive roles at Ben & Jerry's, starting as an Associate Food Scientist and culminating as a Global Product Development Manager.
Featured
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Case Studies
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Experience
Wonderlab Doozy
Co-Founder, Head of NPD & Innovation ・ Jan 2019 - Present
- Created and developed a plant-based ice cream product, launching the brand into ~400 stores in 35 states.
- Managing product development, sourcing, costing, manufacturing, marketing, social media and every detail in between .
KS2 Consulting
Principal Consultant ・ Nov 2017 - Present
- Worked with clients in food & beverage on projects including:
- Concept Development & Ideation
- Trend Research & Ingredient
- Recipe & Formula Development
- Process & Production
innocent drinks
Product Development Manager ・ May 2017 - Jan 2018
Ben & Jerry's
Global Product Development Manager ・ Sept 2016 - April 2017
- Managed new product development and innovation within the Global R&D team, focusing on Plant Based frozen desserts and packaged ice creams.
- Worked with European and North American Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Procurement, Regulatory Compliance, Consumer Insights and Marketing teams to take new products from concept to commercialization and rolling new innovations out to North America and Europe.
- Led R&D projects to improve and optimize ice cream mix quality and product stability through formulation science and processing improvements.
Principal Product Developer・ June 2013 - Aug 2016
Technical Project Leader for new product innovation and product quality improvement initiatives.
- Developed and launched 8 variants of B&J's Vegan certified, non-dairy frozen desserts, which gained over 30% market share within 6 months of launching.
- Led development of new innovations in packaged ice cream and frozen desserts in North America and supporting Global launches.
- Led improvements and optimizations of ice cream mix and product stability through formulation science and processing improvements.
- Led an initiative to align the brand's portfolio with Unilever nutrition commitments to healthier products.
Senior Product Developer・ May 2011 - June 2013
- Successfully developed and launched 9 SKUs of B&J's top 2012 innovation, Greek Frozen Yogurt.
- Lead developer in packaged ice cream taking projects from concept to commercialization for North American launches and supporting Global launches.
- R&D Project Manger for B&J's Values Led Sourcing project, working to transition the brands portfolio of ingredients to Fair Trade and Non GMO.
- Working with vendors to identify quality and cost improvements for finished goods.
Associate Food Scientist・ August 2009 - May 2011
- Lead developer of new innovation in packaged ice cream for retailers such as Wal Mart and Target long term and seasonal North American launches.
- Worked cross functionally with supply chain, design, marketing finance and outside suppliers to successfully implement product transitions and product launches.
- Planning and executing plant trials for new products while troubleshooting plant issues and risks.
- Developing and maintaining product specifications and costings.
Unilever
Associate Food Scientist・ Jun 2008 - Aug 2009
- Responsible for developing two varieties for “PF Chang’s Home Bistro” frozen meals from concept ideation to commercialization for a €50MM launch in 2010.
- Created prototypes on the bench top to develop a gold standard to be matched in commercialization.
- Coordinated and conducted internal and external sensory and consumer evaluations of new products.
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