Melanie Laguio
Portage la Prairie,Manitoba
Summary
Experienced food technology and product development professional with over 15 years of expertise in the food industry, specializing in product formulation, quality control, sensory analysis, and R&D innovation. Proven track record in driving product development from concept to launch, collaborating across departments, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards and customer specifications. Maintaining high standards of safety and hygiene in both laboratory and production environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
R&D Laboratory Technician
Avena Foods
Portage La Prairie, Manitoba
10.2022 - Current
- Designed and implemented testing methodologies -Oil binding capacity & water holding capacity for pulse flour, water hydration capacity for pulse grits focusing on functional properties to ensure accurate and reliable results.
- Conduct comprehensive functional testing on product formulations, evaluating key parameters such as pasting properties under various processing conditions, gel hardness, water holding capacity, oil binding capacity, consistency, viscosity, particle size distribution, moisture content, and water activity.
- Utilized laboratory equipment, including RVA, centrifuge, Brookfield viscometer, Bostwick, Ro-Tap sieve, Air Jet sieve, halogen moisture analyzer, and lab oven, to ensure precise and reliable measurements.
- Measure water absorption and bulk density for oat products to support the development of formulations.
- Compiled and analyzed data, creating detailed reports to present findings to manager.
- Ensured the proper functioning and calibration of laboratory equipment, including RVA, Texture Analyzers, moisture analyzers, and particle size analyzers, to maintain data accuracy and reliability.
- Collaborate with customers to reformulate recipes by replacing ingredients with clean label alternatives to improve overall product formulations and process efficiency.
- Maintained a safe, organized laboratory environment, adhering to strict safety protocols and regulatory compliance standards.
- Perform routine calibration and maintenance of key laboratory equipment, including moisture analyzers, weighing scales, and analytical instruments, to ensure accurate and reliable results.
- Manage inventory of supplies to ensure smooth lab operations.
- Kept lab space and equipment clean to prevent contamination and comply with safety standards.
QA Technician
Richardson International
Portage La Prairie, Manitoba
12.2019 - 09.2022
- Collect and analyze product samples to ensure compliance with customer specifications and HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) standards.
- Performed comprehensive testing of product attributes, such as moisture content, pasting properties, bulk density, water absorption, and particle size distribution, utilizing laboratory equipment including moisture meters, RO-TAP sieve shaker, RVA (Rapid Visco Analyzer), and NIR (Near Infrared) instrument.
- Input all test data into the laboratory database for tracking, analysis, and reporting purposes.
- Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all test results, ensuring traceability and compliance with industry standards.
- Identify and document any non-conformances or quality issues, initiating investigations, and tracking deviations in line with established protocols.
- Collaborate with relevant teams (e.g., production, operations, quality assurance) to ensure corrective actions are implemented effectively.
- Generate and release Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for customers upon request, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely issuance of the documents.
- Maintain a consistent standard of documentation for all products in alignment with customer and regulatory requirements.
- Collect and maintain retained samples, ensuring proper storage and labeling for quality control, traceability, and audit purposes.
- Ensure that samples are stored according to food safety and quality control standards.
- Work closely with operations teams to address product quality issues, and assist in troubleshooting any production-related problems.
- Coordinate with warehouse staff on approval processes, and ensure proper lot coding for finished products to maintain proper inventory and traceability.
- Prepare marketing samples for shipment, ensuring that all samples are properly labeled, packaged securely to avoid damage, and dispatched in a timely manner.
- Stay up-to-date with milling processes, testing methods, equipment, and general laboratory procedures to ensure cutting-edge testing, and accurate results.
- Participate in the development and optimization of testing protocols and methods.
- Adhere to strict health, safety, and fire prevention regulations, maintaining a safe working environment at all times.
- Ensure all laboratory practices comply with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), HACCP guidelines, and relevant food safety standards.
- Prepare and perform chemical tests for Peroxidase activity in oats, including preparation of necessary chemicals and reagents.
Process Operator
JR Simplot
Portage La Prairie, Manitoba
09.2019 - 11.2019
- Coordinate production line flow through key processing stages, including peeling, blanching, ingredient addition, drying, frying, freezing, and managing variables such as budgeted pounds, recovery rates, oil usage, retail yield, and energy efficiency.
- Utilize process control techniques to maintain consistent product quality, including uniformity, color, texture, solids content, temperatures, defect rates, weights, and freezing standards.
- Ensure effective communication with team members and cross-functional support groups, providing updates on line conditions and operational performance.
- Foster a collaborative, participative management style, promoting teamwork and alignment with production goals across various teams and support functions.
- Report food safety and operational hazards to the appropriate personnel and follow through on corrective actions to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
- Maintain a clean and organized work environment, completing sanitation tasks as assigned, including shutdown clean-ups and start-up sanitation procedures to ensure hygienic and safe operations.
Savory Application Specialist
ADM Asia Pacific Trading Pte Ltd
, Singapore
08.2017 - 05.2019
- Translated emerging flavor and consumer trends into innovative, market-ready products, ensuring alignment with customer manufacturing processes and cost requirements.
- Spearheaded the development of vegetarian nugget formulations, positioning them to attract potential customers and expand market opportunities.
- Formulated a variety of products, including sausages, nuggets, and patties, utilizing ADM ingredients to meet precise customer specifications and quality standards.
- Analyzed product samples using the Texture Analyzer (TAXT) to assess and optimize product texture, ensuring quality and consistency.
- Utilized equipment, such as the bowl chopper, sausage maker, food processor, and combi oven, to develop and refine product formulations and improve production efficiency
- Ensured a safe, clean, and compliant work environment by adhering to established sanitation and safety protocols.
- Maintained rigorous safety and sanitation practices in kitchen and production areas, contributing to a consistently safe and efficient workplace.
Food Technologist/ R&D Analyst
BRF Singapore Foods Pte Ltd
, Singapore
07.2015 - 07.2017
- Led the development and successful launch of Sadia Premium Chicken and Beef Burger Patties, including Beef Black Pepper & Onion and Chicken Garden Rosemary & Thyme, enhancing the brand’s market presence.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to introduce chicken sausages tailored to the Hong Kong market, expanding product offerings and customer reach.
- Translated consumer insights and market trends into actionable product designs, ensuring alignment with customer preferences and functional requirements.
- Managed end-to-end product development processes, including recipe creation, process optimization, packaging design, and product specifications, leveraging both in-house and external resources to ensure successful prototypes and market-ready products.
- Acted as the primary point of contact for project management, coordinating efforts across various functions to drive innovation from concept to launch.
- Partnered with local marketing teams to ensure alignment on innovation activities and critical product design milestones, ensuring products meet market needs and brand strategy.
- Collaborated closely with R&D and technology teams at local, regional, and global levels to leverage expertise and resources for optimal product development.
- Worked with key functions such as Quality, Purchasing, and Production to ensure seamless integration of product development into the manufacturing process.
- Engaged with external R&D institutions, leading collaborative efforts to advance product development and innovation.
- Designed and implemented appropriate sensory evaluation methodologies to assess product attributes, analyzed results, and refined products based on consumer feedback and sensory data.
Senior R&D Specialist II
KFC (Wholesome Foods, Inc.)
Quezon City, Philippines
07.2010 - 06.2015
- Spearheaded the development and successful launch of key product lines, including Mac and Cheese Bites, Chicken Chop, Original Recipe Bites, Junior Double Down, Junior Zinger Double Down, Freezer-to-Fryer Family Mart Chicken (marinades, breading, and premixes), Gravy Premix for FMART, Coffee Line (Coffee Jelly and Tiramisu), Mais Con Hielo, and Dulce De Leche Krushers.
- Led end-to-end product development, from raw material sourcing to kitchen prototype development, trial runs, technology transfer, and successful product launches.
- Drove innovation and efficiency by modifying existing product lines to identify and implement cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
- Prepared comprehensive product costings for both new and existing products, ensuring accurate financial forecasting and budgeting.
- Conducted extensive shelf-life and physico-chemical testing for new and reformulated products to ensure quality and compliance with safety standards.
- Led cook tests and holding time studies to confirm adherence to food safety parameters and optimize product performance.
- Managed the technology transfer of new products to production, ensuring clear documentation of technical specifications, process flows, and product standards.
- Oversaw the seamless roll-out of new products to stores, including training for in-store staff and providing product support.
- Conducted raw material substitution and evaluation to identify cost-saving alternatives while maintaining product integrity.
- Analyzed existing raw material usage to identify opportunities for more cost-effective sourcing without sacrificing product quality.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Procurement, and Production, to ensure smooth product development and launch execution.
- Managed product quality assurance through plant/store audits and coordinated investigation of customer complaints in collaboration with relevant teams.
R&D Specialist
Karate Kid Japanese Fastfood
Quezon City, Philippines
03.2009 - 04.2010
- Led the development and successful launch of innovative products, including Spaghetti Bolognese, Japanese Cream Sauce, and a range of Coffee and Non-Coffee Blended Premixes for Café offerings.
- Spearheaded the reformulation of key product lines, including Vanilla Crepe Base and Coffee Lineup, to optimize cost efficiency while enhancing product quality and streamlining processes.
- Managed the complete reformulation of all coffee and tea drinks for Kido Manga Café, improving flavor profiles and reducing costs.
- Conducted comprehensive sensory evaluations, shelf-life studies, and stability tests to ensure product quality, consistency, and compliance with food safety regulations.
- Prepared detailed product costings for both new and existing products, ensuring alignment with business goals and profitability targets.
- Led cooking and holding time tests to validate product performance, ensuring adherence to food safety parameters and maximizing product shelf-life.
- Played a key role in the technology transfer of new products to the commissary, ensuring accurate documentation and smooth operational handover, including technical specifications and process flow.
- Developed and recommended product standards for new and reformulated products to ensure consistency, quality, and scalability.
- Responsible for the safekeeping and confidentiality of highly sensitive product-related documentation.
- Drove the roll-out and standardization of new products and processes across relevant departments, ensuring seamless implementation and alignment with company standards.
R&D Specialist/Sensory Technologist/Document Control Officer
Southeast Asia Food Inc.
, Philippines
03.2009 - 04.2010
- Contributed to the development and optimization of key product lines, including Sarsang Ulam, Flavor Powders (Mixes), soy-based products, bouillon, sinigang mixes, and specialty mixes, with a focus on sensory and physico-chemical testing.
- Collaborated with Category Leaders to design and implement kitchen applications for sensory evaluations, ensuring the use of appropriate test methods for each product type.
- Managed sensory evaluation processes by preparing samples, organizing testing sessions, and analyzing results to provide actionable insights.
- Interpreted and summarized sensory test data, providing clear recommendations based on consumer feedback and testing outcomes.
- Maintained the availability of materials and ingredients necessary for conducting sensory evaluations, ensuring smooth and efficient testing processes.
- Performed comprehensive physico-chemical analysis on product samples, including testing for moisture content, titratable acidity (TA), salt content, Brix, protein percentage, pH, and viscosity, supporting product development and quality assurance.
- Ensured regular evaluation of products for shelf-life testing, ensuring all products met quality and safety standards before release.
- Upheld Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) throughout all testing and development activities, ensuring compliance with safety and quality regulations.
- Assisted the R&D group with literature research, operational scorecard development, and the creation of senior management updates, contributing to strategic decision-making.
Quality Control Analyst
Southeast Asia Food Inc.
, Philippines
09.2004 - 03.2006
- Acted as the primary Quality Control (QC) officer in the absence of the designated officer, ensuring continuous oversight of quality standards and production processes.
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date records of in-process reports and relevant data, ensuring proper documentation for day-to-day quality control activities.
- Developed and implemented HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) systems and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all products and laboratory equipment, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
- Supported the implementation of formulation and quality control policies, ensuring that all products met established standards for quality and safety.
- Troubleshot production issues, identifying root causes and providing effective solutions to maintain smooth operations and prevent process disruptions.
- Conducted physico-chemical and sensory evaluations of finished products, ensuring product consistency, quality, and compliance with customer specifications.
- Ensured the availability and proper functioning of process control systems, enabling traceability from raw material preparation to finished products, and supporting product integrity and compliance.
- Maintained plant hygiene and sanitation to meet industry standards and regulatory requirements, ensuring a safe and clean production environment.
- Collected data to track and identify production losses.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food Technology
University of Santo Tomas
Manila, Philippines01.2004
Skills
- Laboratory safety
- Data Interpretation
- Multitasking
- Laboratory techniques
- Sample Preparation
- Instrument Calibration
- Lab result interpretation
- Data Analysis
- Quality Assurance
- Detail Oriented
- Interpersonal and written communication
- New product formulation
- Food Processing
- Quality Control
- Food product formulation
- Product Development
- Food Quality Assurance
- Sensory Evaluation
- Meat Processing
- HACCP
- Quality Control
- Food technology
- Laboratory skills
- Food safety
- Product Innovation
- Reagent preparation
- Team collaboration
References
Available Upon Request
Timeline
R&D Laboratory Technician
Avena Foods
10.2022 - Current
QA Technician
Richardson International
12.2019 - 09.2022
Process Operator
JR Simplot
09.2019 - 11.2019
Savory Application Specialist
ADM Asia Pacific Trading Pte Ltd
08.2017 - 05.2019
Food Technologist/ R&D Analyst
BRF Singapore Foods Pte Ltd
07.2015 - 07.2017
Senior R&D Specialist II
KFC (Wholesome Foods, Inc.)
07.2010 - 06.2015
R&D Specialist
Karate Kid Japanese Fastfood
03.2009 - 04.2010
R&D Specialist/Sensory Technologist/Document Control Officer
Southeast Asia Food Inc.
03.2009 - 04.2010
Quality Control Analyst
Southeast Asia Food Inc.
09.2004 - 03.2006
Bachelor of Science - Food Technology
University of Santo Tomas