Upcycled Foods, Inc. (UP, Inc.) strengthens its business-to-business strategy by hiring Dr. Lara Ramdin as its chief innovation & science officer. Ramdin joins the company on April 15, 2023 to lead the development of a robust science and innovation agenda, develop new ingredient technologies, expand the portfolio of upcycled ingredients and create product applications for food businesses.
Dr. Ramdin is a global leader in R&D, product development and innovation, with more than 20 years of experience leading innovation efforts for organizations like Molson Coors, Unilever, and Estee Lauder. She’s also supported emerging brands as a consultant, advisor, and board member. Her passion for creating innovative solutions that positively impact food systems make her a natural fit for UP, Inc.’s mission.
“I am thrilled to join the team at a pivotal moment in the upcycling movement. UP, Inc. is at the forefront of defining new models for our food systems, reducing the negative impact of food waste, and creating more accessible nutrition,” said Dr. Ramdin. “It is 100% aligned with my personal purpose, and I look forward to working with the team to build an innovation ecosystem that sets the pace for the industry.”
Previously, Dr Ramdin was the chief innovation officer at the Dole Sunshine Company, a 120-year-old brand, that is a world leader in fruit and healthy snack innovation. She was responsible for defining a transformational R&D and Innovation strategy, aligned to the Dole Promise goals (which includes zero waste, reduction in carbon emissions, and increasing access to nutrition) and portfolio expansion into new categories such functional beverages & food supplements (The Secret Nature of Fruit) and healthy snacking (The Good Crunch).
"Lara’s prowess as a strategic innovator and thought leader will be an invaluable asset to our team. Her talent, passion, and track record of driving innovation will bring additional energy and acumen to our efforts as we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the upcycled food industry,” said Dan Kurzrock, co-founder & CEO of UP, Inc. “At a time when reducing food waste and creating more accessible nutrition is mission-critical to the people and planet we love, we are stoked to welcome Lara to our team."
Dr. Ramdin received a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Applied Biology from the University of Cardiff and a Doctorate in Immunology from the University of Southampton.
