Poppy Mabele

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.

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.

BTech in Food Technology

Cape Peninsula University of Technology, December 2017