Poppy Mabele
An R&D specialist with above 10 years working experience under FMCG companies. Independent, motivated, reliable and hard working.
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About
I am Poppy Mabele, an R&D Technical Specialist for FMCG companies in South Africa. I am passionate about developing innovative and high-quality products for the food industry. I have contributed to several projects by conducting research, testing, and optimization of formulations, processes, and packaging.
I have a strong academic background in Food Science and Technology, with a B. Tech degree and a diploma from Cape Peninsula University of Technology. I am currently enrolled with IPSA for my advanced diploma in packaging.
I have also acquired multiple skills in project management, through my previous roles as an Intrinsic Development Technologist and a Process & Implementation Technologist at PepsiCo, Distell and in2food, respectively. I am always eager and flexible to learn new things and expand my knowledge and expertise.
Experience
Senior NPD Technologist | Elgin Free Range Chickens, Grabouw
July 2025 – October 2025
- Lead and oversee the full New Product Development (NPD) process from concept to market launch,
ensuring products are innovative, commercially viable, and aligned with consumer insights and market trends.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, nutritional, labelling, and regulatory requirements while meeting internal quality benchmarks.
- Conduct shelf-life and stability testing to guarantee product safety and longevity.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with QA, Production, Procurement, and Sales teams to deliver seamless product launches.
- Monitor product performance post-launch, implementing continuous improvements based on consumer feedback and sales data.
- Guide brainstorming and ideation sessions, introducing new technologies, ingredients, and techniques to strengthen product development.
- Maintain accurate documentation of product development processes, testing outcomes, and compliance requirements.
- Support leadership by driving project priorities, critical path deadlines, and efficient time management within the team.
Education
BTech in Food Technology
Cape Peninsula University of Technology, December 2017
