Amali Ishara Gunawardhana
Epping,Australia
Summary
Dynamic Food Technologist with extensive experience at D'Orsogna, specializing in meat product innovation and regulatory compliance. Proven expertise in sensory evaluation and shelf-life testing, driving product optimization and consumer satisfaction. Adept at cross-functional collaboration and technical documentation, ensuring successful product launches and adherence to industry standards.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Food Technologist
D'Orsogna
Mickleham, Australia
11.2023 - Current
- Lead formulation trials and scale-up processes for new meat-based products including sausages, hams, and deli-style items
- Evaluate ingredient functionality, texture, and flavor to optimize product consistency and consumer appeal
- Conduct sensory evaluations and shelf-life studies to assess product stability and performance
- Collaborate closely with QA and production teams to ensure smooth product launches and regulatory compliance (FSANZ, DAWR)
- Maintain and update product specifications, and labelling data as per export and domestic standards
- Support continuous improvement projects focused on processing efficiency, cost reduction, and innovation
Food Technologist
Kilcoy Global Foods
Victoria, Australia
02.2023 - 10.2023
- Assisted in developing and optimizing value-added beef products, including marinated cuts, sous-vide portions, and ready-to-eat meals
- Participated in product trials from benchtop to pilot scale, ensuring alignment with sensory and nutritional targets
- Supported packaging development, shelf-life testing, and cooking instruction validation
- Collected and analyzed data related to product yields, cooking loss, and customer feedback
- Ensured new products complied with export market standards, including US and China market specifications
- Worked cross-functionally with operations, QA, and supply chain to support commercialization
Food Technologist
Silvermill Holdings Pvt Ltd
, Sri Lanka
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Conducted sensory evaluation and shelf-life testing of new products
- Performed quality checks on raw materials and final products
- Prepared food safety documentation and compliance reports
- Provided technical support in manufacturing processes and troubleshooting quality issues
Education
Master of Food Science and Technology - Food Science and Technology
RMIT University
Melbourne, VIC05-2025
Bachelor of Science (Special Degree) - Food Science and Technology
Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
01.2017
Skills
- Food Product Development
- Meat Processing
- Value-Added Products
- Shelf-life Testing
- Sensory Evaluation
- Ingredient Functionality
- Recipe Optimization
- HACCP
- GMP
- FSANZ Compliance
- Label Development
- Regulatory Knowledge
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Process Improvement
- Scale-Up Support
- Raw Material Assessment
- Packaging Assessment
- Technical Documentation
- Specifications Management
- Microsoft Office
- Statistical Analysis
- Minitab
- SPSS
- Food Safety
- Quality Systems
- HACCP Plans
- Internal Audit Tools
- Laboratory Testing
- PH
- Water Activity
- Microbial Swabbing
- Production Software
- ERP systems
- SAP
- QMS
- Thermal Processing Validation
- Cooking Control Systems
- Chilling Control Systems
- Specification Software
- FoodWorks
- GS1
- Nutritics
References
- Valentina Materelli, QA Manager, D’Orsogna, 0475 307 004
- Ramandeep Kaur, Quality Assurance Co-ordinator, D’Orsogna, 0451 130 286
Timeline
Food Technologist
D'Orsogna
11.2023 - Current
Food Technologist
Kilcoy Global Foods
02.2023 - 10.2023
Food Technologist
Silvermill Holdings Pvt Ltd
01.2017 - 01.2023
Master of Food Science and Technology - Food Science and Technology
RMIT University
Bachelor of Science (Special Degree) - Food Science and Technology
Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
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