Our expert contributors
Dr Ray Cooper followed his PhD in organic chemistry with 15 years in pharmaceutical industry R&D, later moving to the dietary supplements sector. He has developed new Chinese botanicals as supplements, as well as other NPD and clinical study design. He is the co-founder of the US-based PhytoScience consultancy and Professor at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong.
Patrick Coppens is director of regulatory and scientific affairs at Food Supplements Europe, which was created in 2013 to represent the interests of the sector. His work on food law is particularly focused on botanicals, on technical and safety issues and on relationships with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). He also leads the organisation’s scientific work in the field of public health.
David Foreman is a registered pharmacist, author and media personality known to consumers internationally as 'The Herbal Pharmacist.' A background in pharmacy and natural medicine puts Foreman in an elite class of health experts who can teach integrative medicine practices. He helps consumers achieve health and vitality through his four pillars of health: diet, exercise, spirituality and supplements.
Isabel Gomez is global marketing manager for the Nutraceutical division of Lubrizol Life Science Health, and is based in Spain. With a first degree in Chemical Engineering from the Universidad de las Americas Puebla, Mexico, and two Masters’ degrees, she has over 10 years’ experience in marketing across different industries, including food and pharmaceuticals.
June Lin is global vice president of marketing, Health & Wellness, at ingredients supplier ADM. She has over 20 years of experience in brand marketing, strategy and new product innovation. Since she joined ADM in 2020, her focus has been on developing the company’s Health & Wellness business, including research and innovation in areas such as biotics, botanicals and functional ingredients.
Katia Merten-Lentz heads up the EU Food & Feed Team at the Brussels office of international legal firm Keller & Heckman. She and her team have extensive experience of European authorisation procedures regarding novel foods and additives. She regularly works with the European Commission, EFSA and Member State institutions on these and other matters.
Dr Raphaël Mestanza was the CIO of SpecialChem, before co-founding IntPact in 2018. Dr Mestanza has strong experience in designing new business development and innovation processes leveraging digital technologies to gain on growth speed and efficiency. He also has past experiences in R&D and sales management at companies like Solvay, Sabic (formerly GE Plastics) and more. He holds a doctorate and an engineering degree in Polymer Sciences from the University of Strasbourg (France).
Tom Smale is cofounder of Wunder Workshop, the UK wellbeing brand focused on plant-based ‘consumption with purpose’. While studying pharmacology, Tom was drawn to the power of plants in preventing disease, using spices such as turmeric. Applying the experience gained in the pharmacological world and a deepening understanding of traditional plant-based remedies, he helps to research ingredients that are functional and effective.
Dr RB Smarta is the founder, managing director and principal consultant at Interlink Marketing Consulting, with its headquarters in Mumbai, India. Beyond business consultancy, he has also worked as a corporate trainer and mentor for companies in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and other industries for over three decades. He received his PhD in Management Sciences from the University of East Georgia in 1982.