AMIT CHOUDHARI
Thane
Summary
Over 18 years of experience in leading research and development projects across various food categories. Expertise in product innovation, productivity initiatives, supply chain scaling, and capacity expansion. Proven track record of leading functional teams and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver high-quality products. Extensive experience in AMEA markets, enhancing processes and consumer insights through cultural understanding. I am a foodie by passion, and a food technologist by profession.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Group Leader, India Chocolate R&D
Mondelez India foods private limited (Formerly known as Cadbury)
Thane, Mumbai
12.2011 - Current
- Currently leading a team of scientists and responsible for the India chocolate R&D department in the Cadbury Dairy Milk and Silk portfolio. Able to deliver 50+ innovation projects through an understanding of consumer needs, collaboration with suppliers, recipe development, factory trials, and sensory validation (e.g. Milk chocolate renovations (CDM and Silk), dark chocolate renovation and line extension (Bournville renovation, Bournville Cranberry, Mocha variant), new technology products (Bubbly, Oreo, Pralines, Lickables), new category innovation (Enrobed Oreo biscuit, Perk H&W), PPA's, and new mould designs so far, which have significantly contributed to incremental net revenue for the India business. Along with delivering productivity initiatives as per targets through alternate vendor development, recipe reformulations, and improving manufacturing processes. Current work profile includes delivering consumer-centric innovation, future innovation readiness, and demonstrating R&D processes and systems (e.g. Project management, specification management, shelf-stable studies, design of experiments, AMEA budget management, collaboration with the global team, hiring the best talent from universities, and best practices rollout.
- Implemented a variety of R&D techniques (e.g., design of experiments, validation protocols, risk matrix, hands-on experience, etc.) at Melbourne R&D center for smoother delivery of ANZ innovation projects in 2018. It also added a lot of value around different technologies, systems, processes, innovation trends, consumer understanding, and cultural orientations.
- Experience in delivering R&D innovation projects for the SEA market during 2016-2018. It also helped in understanding different regulatory and HALAL requirements through certification bodies like JAKIM and MUI.
ASSISTANT MANAGER – R&D
HEINZ INDIA PVT. LTD.
Mumbai
01.2008 - 11.2011
- Able to design the recipe, manufacturing processes, and end-to-end execution for NPDs like 'Complan Nuri Bowl,' Breakfast Cereal Category; 'Complan Nutri-Gro,' Milk Food Drink Category (MFD); 'Complan Proti-Bix,' High Protein Diskette Category; and 'Complan Pista Badam,' new variant, MFD category.
- Delivered brand maintenance initiatives, such as PPA and H&W compliance, for the Complan Biscuit category.
- Created labeling instructions as per FSSAI guidelines, and performed checks on artwork for compliance.
- Collaborated with supply chain partners to set up third-party operations, e.g., dairy plant, new biscuit line, etc.
Jr. OFFICER: PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & MANUFACTURING. (Specialization in Confectionery)
SANJIVANI REMEDIES LIMITED
Mumbai
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Led new product development for Koffee Jack Sugar Boiled Confectionery.
- Designed recipes and manufacturing processes for confectionery products.
- Monitored existing confectionery products to ensure compliance with production schedules.
- Served as company representative at third-party operations, facilitating effective communication and oversight.
Food Chemist
RAPTAKOS, BRETT & CO. LTD.
Mumbai
08.2006 - 11.2006
- Conducted product studies in compliance with Gazette and PFA/FSSAI standards. Prepared labels for Threptin Biscuits to ensure regulatory adherence.
Assisted in factory trials to evaluate production processes effectively. Executed lab-scale product stability tests, documenting findings meticulously.
Education
B. Tech. - Food Technology and Engineering
Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT)
Mumbai, India06.2006
Higher Secondary school -
V. G. Vaze college (Kelkar)
Mumbai, India05.2002
Skills
- People management
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Problem solving
- Research and analysis
- Innovation and creativity
- Strategic planning
- Budget management
Languages
English, Hindi, Marathi
References
- Manoj, Parikh, HOD, +91 9910048235, Danone
- G.P., Tirodkar, CEO, +91 9869284038, Sanjivani Remedies Ltd
Hobbies and Interests
Traveling, Watching action movies, Playing Cricket, Chess, Carrom
Extracurricular Activities
- Won different prizes in social activities (fashion show, group dance) in school, college, and in the corporate world
- I stood as captain and vice-captain in cricket in school, college, and in the corporate world
- I got a scholarship in the 7th standard conducted by the Maharashtra Board, which led to appreciation in a local newspaper
INTERNSHIPS
- CADBURY INDIA LIMITED, Mumbai May 2005 — July 2005
- BUNTY FOODS (INDIA) PVT. LTD. (FRACHISE UNIT) OF PARLE Biscuit, Ambernath May 2004 — July 2004
Accomplishments
- Won the President's Excellence Award in 2024 for the cocoa profit protection project
- Won the manager's award in 2020 for extraordinary work in the specification management system at the AMEA level
- Global appreciation was received for the renovated CDM recipe in 2016, and it won the global award "Hall of Fame" for "Silk recipe re-formulation" in 2013
- Won 1st prize in the event called 'Bright Spark Managers / My Thought' held at the Heinz Annual Conference in 2009
Timeline
Group Leader, India Chocolate R&D
Mondelez India foods private limited (Formerly known as Cadbury)
12.2011 - Current
ASSISTANT MANAGER – R&D
HEINZ INDIA PVT. LTD.
01.2008 - 11.2011
Jr. OFFICER: PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & MANUFACTURING. (Specialization in Confectionery)
SANJIVANI REMEDIES LIMITED
01.2007 - 01.2008
Food Chemist
RAPTAKOS, BRETT & CO. LTD.
08.2006 - 11.2006
B. Tech. - Food Technology and Engineering
Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT)
Higher Secondary school -
V. G. Vaze college (Kelkar)
Similar Profiles
PRATIK KADAMPRATIK KADAM
OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE at Mondelez India foods Pvt.d, (Cadbury)OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE at Mondelez India foods Pvt.d, (Cadbury)
Binit LohiaBinit Lohia
Analyst Finance Manufacturing (Assistant Manager) at Mondelez India Foods Private LimitedAnalyst Finance Manufacturing (Assistant Manager) at Mondelez India Foods Private Limited
Krishna MKrishna M
SALES EXCUTIVE at MONDELEZ INDIA FOODS PRIVETE LIMITEDSALES EXCUTIVE at MONDELEZ INDIA FOODS PRIVETE LIMITED
Sheetal Vijay SuryavanshiSheetal Vijay Suryavanshi
Accenture at Colud Operation AdminstratorAccenture at Colud Operation Adminstrator
Sunny YadavSunny Yadav
Vice- President at Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG)Vice- President at Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG)