Our expert contributors
Javier Berterreche, Business Development Manager, Bioinicia Javier Berterreche is a chemist, with a master’s in food science and technology. After 20 years in the dairy industry, he has been working for more than 15 years at different food ingredients companies globally, with responsibility for new businesses development and product management. In addition to this, he has a long career as a consultant for various agencies and institutions in the field of food innovation. Kristina Edvinsson, General Manager & Owner, Gelpell Kristina Edvinsson is a fourth-generation entrepreneur dedicated to the field of human health and contract manufacturing. Her father was the founder of Swiss Caps (now Aenova-Group); today, with her husband Tomas, she leads Gelpell, a full-service partner for soft capsules, hard capsules. Dominik Guber, Co-Founder & CEO, Pure Flavour During studies, Dominik Guber co-founded the brand “Braufässchen” which is producing and selling Beer Making Kits all over Europe. The challenges of having a brand as well as an own production (and raw material sourcing) led to the foundation of Pure Flavour GmbH. Based in Munich, Germany, Pure Flavour partners with small and medium sized businesses to take care of product development, sourcing as well as contract manufacturing of the finished products.
Prof. Peter de Jong, PhD, Principal Scientist Processing, NIZO Peter de Jong, PhD, is a chemical engineer by training and received his doctorate at the Delft University in 1996. His professional career started at the Dutch dairy company Melkunie in 1986 (now FrieslandCampina). In 1987, he joined NIZO food research and became experienced in optimisation of international dairy/food processing with respect to product quality, costs and sustainability. In 2013, he became program director at the Institute of Sustainable Process Technology, focusing on development of new technology in the Dutch food industry. At NIZO food research, he is still active as a principal scientist on food processing. Jernej Klopčič, Director of Business Development, PharmaLinea Jernej Klopčič built his academic path by upgrading his background in science and engineering with an additional international business education degree. Applying his multidisciplinary knowledge, he developed his professional path from product development to product marketing and eventually business development. As business development director at PharmaLinea Ltd., Klopčič utilises his experience from managing roles in market-leading consumer product corporations and delivers excellence rooted in his understanding of both consumer and client needs.
George Kokkinis, Co-Founder, Pharmako Biotechnologies Originally a senior member of the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA), George Kokkins’ extensive industry experience encompasses regulatory, technical and quality consulting, manufacturing, sales and marketing, with product development. He was responsible for the TGA’s ELF (Electronic Listing Facility), still operational today. With experience since 1993, Kokkinis and his network of technical experts have been utilized by the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry around the globe. José Lopes, Plant Manager, Gefriertrocknung Greven José Lopes is a passionate freeze dryer. For more than 20 years, he has been on the trail of the technical secrets of freeze-drying as plant manager of Gefriertrocknung Greven GmbH in Germany. Every product that goes through his tunnels is unique and is meticulously treated to define the perfect parameters for freeze-drying. Eric Meppem, Co-Founder and Commercial Director, Pharmako Biotechnologies With 20 years of experience in the nutraceuticals industry, Eric Meppem has specialized in bringing to market innovation from both a product and material perspective. A senior sales and marketing executive with a strong commercial background, extensive experience in businesses with FMCG, wholesale, retail, supply and customer service focus.
Julian Müller, Team Coordinator Sales, Gefriertrocknung Greven Julian Müller is a passionate salesman for freeze-dried ingredients and ingredient systems. With an always open ear for the needs of his customers and a keen sense of the market, he knows how to advise and accompany brand manufacturers on their way to product development. As a business economist with a food background, he knows about the requirements that a product must meet, on the one hand, for its use in industrial production and, on the other hand, for the end consumer. Anna Szymanowska, Founder, Fighter Shots Anna Szymanowska is founder of Fighter Shots, fightershots.co.uk, a ginger-based health drinks brand available in the UK and the Middle East. Szymanowska has an MBA from London Business School.