Vandana R. Pingle
Food Innovation, Formulation & Commercialization
Mumbai
Summary
Experienced Food Technologist with over 15+ years in R&D and Product Innovation across Bakery, Confectionery / Chocolate and Savory categories. Proven track record in new product development, flavor selection & optimization, sensory science, and commercialization for both domestic and international markets. Adept at managing cross-functional teams, leading pilot trials, and executing end-to-end product lifecycle.
Overview
4
4
Certifications
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager – Tech. Service
Camlin Fine Sciences
12.2024 - Current
- Provide technical expertise and customer-focused support for B2B food manufacturers, especially in bakery, chocolate, and Confectionery segments.
- Hands-on experience of product formulation, process control, and ingredient behavior specific to bakery and chocolate systems.
- Serve as an escalation point for complex issues, overseeing product performance and customer satisfaction.
- Offer successful on-site troubleshooting, technical training, and recipe/application guidance.
- Lead technical projects aimed at efficiency, product consistency, and innovation.
- Plan, execute, and monitor milestones to meet client deliverables.
Formulation Consultant
Consultancy Experience – Bakery & Seasoning Segment
03.2024 - 12.2024
- Process Optimization: Assisted in integrating selected flavors into formulations with minimal disruption to existing production processes, maintaining consistency and quality standards.
- Flavor Profiling & Selection: Guided bakers in identifying optimal flavor combinations tailored to their product lines, ensuring alignment with consumer preferences and market trends.
- Sales Impact: Enabled bakeries to differentiate their offerings, resulting in enhanced product appeal and measurable boosts in sales performance.
Application Technologist II
Sensient Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.
02.2023 - 03.2024
- Managed savory lab processes emphasizing flavor formulation, propelling innovative mock meat solutions and streamlining product strategy costs.
- Formulated unique sauces, dips, dressings, and low-fat mayonnaise.
- Designed strategies for decreasing salt and sugar content while elevating flavor profiles.
- Coordinated with sales team to optimize NPD presentations and increase customer engagement.
- Streamlined inventory supplies and equipment to boost team productivity.
- Facilitated exceptional customer support through swift and effective resolution of technical issues, enhancing client satisfaction and retention along with new commercial successes.
Head – Application Lab
Connell Bros. Company (India) Pvt. Ltd.
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Directed development of bakery confectionery and mock meat prototypes incorporating oleoresins and extracts derived from vegan ingredients.
- Created unique nutritional blends tailored to specific health goals. Conceptualized innovative flavors to attract target markets. Oversaw project pipeline, ensuring efficient progression of product development.
- Oversaw transition of trials from lab-scale to commercial-scale, maintaining comprehensive documentation. Drove 10 percent sales growth by implementing successful trial strategies.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Asst. Manager – Applications / R&D
Drytech Processes (I) Pvt. Ltd.
05.2017 - 12.2022
- Created specialized bakery premixes and diverse seasoning blends tailored for QSR industries
- Engaged in the formulation of innovative powders (NDC cheese, tomato, fruit-based).
- Led team in managing project pipelines, enhancing workflow efficiency. Executed sensory sessions, facilitating data collection for research and development initiatives.
- Generated new business in the segment of savory premix ideas.
Sr. Application Technologist
C.P. Kelco (I) Pvt. Ltd.
10.2014 - 04.2017
- Designed soft chews, jellies, and aerated confectionery using precise hydrocolloid combinations. Realized a 15 percent rise in sales due to enhanced product offerings.
- Facilitated global customer presentations, utilizing prototypes to illustrate product capabilities. Directed regional trials in SEA and MENA to assess effectiveness, and gather feedback.
- Completed comprehensive global training initiatives in Denmark, Singapore, and Shanghai.
- Established a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the technology team, enhancing overall skills and capabilities.
Application Technologist
Firmenich Aromatics (I) Pvt. Ltd.
01.2011 - 09.2014
- Created unique bakery and confectionery offerings specifically designed for APAC clientele.
- Expertise in chocolates, filled cookies, gums, and savory baked goods.
- Administered sensory evaluation while leading distributor training sessions.
- Converted customer feedback into strategic process improvements and reformulations. Coordinated efforts with sales, R&D, and operations to develop tailored solutions.
- Launched a corporate path at Firmenich Aromatics in 2011. Accumulated expertise at Microchem Labs between 2006 and 2010. Associated with Farmer Brands Ltd., SBS Ltd., and Chika Pvt. Ltd. Functioned as an NPD Technologist with R&D Application Tech.
Education
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma - Food Technology
S.N.D.T. Women’s University
Mumbai, India 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Botany
University of Mumbai
Mumbai 04.2001 -
Skills
Understanding Flavor Science & application-based flavor selection, Sensory Evaluation
Bakery, Confectionery, and Savory Product Development
New Product Innovation & Commercialization, Plant Trials & Scale-up
Decision-making
Time management
Relationship building
Project management
Expectation setting
Clear communication
Work prioritization
Process improvement
Active listening
Training and development
Accomplishments
- Developed winning prototypes in Chocolate, Confectionery, Bakery & seasoning category.
- Developed compound chocolate using NDC for international benchmarking.
- Created mixed fruit jam with orange rind suspension and jam-filled cookies with one of the leading brands.
- Created winning stories with leading brands in Bakery, confectionery & chocolate categories.
Certification
Technical training in Dubai, Singapore, Denmark, Shanghai.
Employee Engagement & Safety Committee
- Conducted team bonding and corporate etiquette workshops.
- Trained distributors and internal & external teams on product handling.
- Ensured lab SOP adherence, equipment checks, and hygiene standards.
- Procured safety gear and maintained visitor safety logs.
Timeline
Manager – Tech. Service
Camlin Fine Sciences
12.2024 - Current
Formulation Consultant
Consultancy Experience – Bakery & Seasoning Segment
03.2024 - 12.2024
Application Technologist II
Sensient Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.
02.2023 - 03.2024
Head – Application Lab
Connell Bros. Company (India) Pvt. Ltd.
01.2022 - 01.2023
Asst. Manager – Applications / R&D
Drytech Processes (I) Pvt. Ltd.
05.2017 - 12.2022
Sr. Application Technologist
C.P. Kelco (I) Pvt. Ltd.
10.2014 - 04.2017
Application Technologist
Firmenich Aromatics (I) Pvt. Ltd.
01.2011 - 09.2014
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma - Food Technology
S.N.D.T. Women’s University
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Botany
University of Mumbai
04.2001 -