Bianca Luscombe
Freshwater,NSW
Summary
A dedicated and innovative Nutritionist, Food Technologist and Product developer with a strong focus on nutrition and health. Passionate about creating high-quality, nutritious food options and aiding individuals with dietary restrictions like diabetes, celiac disease, and dairy intolerance, I have a proven track record in developing innovative recipes using alternative ingredients. My expertise extends to building strong client relationships and launching a successful health food brand tailored to meet specific nutritional needs. Curiously Cauli AU
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Product Developer | Co owner - Health Foods
Curiously Cauli
07.2016 - Current
- Curiously Cauli was founded as an Australian start-up in 2016 with a vision to provide high-quality, nutritious alternative foods including gluten free, low GI, no added sugar and low allergen convenience snacks
- Delivered market research and analysed consumer insights to identify increasing market opportunity for healthy, gluten free snack alternatives to high-carbohydrate and processed foods
- Developed and launched a range of Crackers & Crispbreads and Dips & Cauli Roasts, initially retailing at farmers markets and enjoying an overwhelmingly positive consumer response to drive exponential and sustained growth in sales
- Now stocked in over 300 stores across VIC, NSW, ACT and WA, exporting to wholesale customers in Malaysia and Singapore, and retailing direct to consumers via eCommerce website
- Monitored global market trends and industry developments and leveraged customer insights to inform a data-driven continuous improvement and new product development agenda
- Researched, tested, developed, and refined new recipes, sourced high-quality raw materials, and designed end-to-end processes for the production of recipes on a commercial scale
- Delivered robust, evidence based nutritional analysis of products and produced accurate product specifications and labels in line with regulatory standards (Food Standards Australia & NZ – FSANZ)
- Negotiated and managed a strategic partnership with a Food Manufacturer with a shared commitment to healthy, nutritious foods without additives or preservatives
- Worked collaboratively with the manufacturer to identify, trial, and refine production methods to naturally extend the shelf life of product
- Integrated high-pressure processing methodologies and used natural products (eg
- Vinegars) to extend the shelf-life of dips from 2 weeks to 8 weeks, without the use of preservatives
- Monitored production to ensure compliance with strict hygiene and food safety standards
- Managed all aspects of the business including Sales & Marketing, Supply Chain Logistics, Customer Service, Finance & Accounting, Procurement and Contract Management
- Developed and managed an eCommerce website, coordinating food styling, content creation and SEO copywriting to drive lead generation and new customer acquisition.
Food Stylist (Freelance)
Fowlers Vacola
02.2017 - 10.2021
- Worked collaboratively with the Product and Marketing teams to conceptualise, develop and execute contemporary food styling for in-store visual merchandising, photography and promotions
- Demonstrated exemplary attention to detail, a strong understanding of best practice food styling techniques, and natural creative flair to ensure highest quality in-store presentation
- Managed visual merchandising for Fowlers Vacola’s exhibition stand in the Melbourne Food and Wine show demonstrating strong organisation, time management and quality management to execute all displays in accordance with brand vision and project brief.
Visual Merchandiser
David Jones
03.2015 - 02.2017
- Visually presented and executed current trends and campaigns throughout the store
- Set up displays and outposts for major events, including the Mother's Day Classic, Easter, Mid-Season Sale, and VMFF fashion show
- Adhered to David Jones' visual merchandising standards as outlined in the weekly VMB
- Managed visual merchandising for women’s wear and accessories in the Bourke Street store
- Execute all displays within structured timeframes
- Maintain strong working relationships with various managers
- Adapt to the changing needs of rapid product sell-through by efficiently refreshing and relocating merchandise.
Client Service | Marketing Assistant
L’Oréal Head Office
02.2012 - 12.2014
- Addressed consumer affairs by tactfully handling customer concerns, complaints, and queries
- First point of contact for clients, offering them with support and guidance
- Provided administrative support to the Director and Accounting team, including managing the switchboard, coordinating diaries and meetings, and handling in/outward mail
- Created monthly visual displays for the front office, showcasing new products and promotions
- Assisted marketing team with events, such as Garnier’s BB Cream launch and L’Oréal Paris promotions
- Ordering merchandise for brand activations
- Assisted HR with the implementation of health programs for Loreal head office Staff
- Helped coordinate market research for new product development.
Education
Post Graduate Degree - Human Nutrition, (Food Science)
Deakin University
Melbourne, VIC06.2024
Certificate IV - Visual Merchandising
RMIT University
Brunswick, VIC09.2014
Advanced Diploma - Business Marketing
Swinburne University of Technology
Melbourne, VIC12.2012
Graduate Certificate - Business
Swinburne University of Technology
Melbourne, VIC12.2009
Key Skills Areas Of Expertise
- Nutrition
- Product development - ambient and chilled
- Recipe development and formulations
- Food Science and Technology
- Business operations
- Policy and procedure implementation
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- KPI Tracking
- Strong knowledge FNANZ - Food Standards Australia and New Zealand
- Sales Strategies
- Market Research FMCG
- Consumer Insights
- Project management
- Inventory and budget management
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Retail / Visual Merchandising / Food Styling
Professional Attributes
- Communication and Relationship Management – builds rapport, trust, and productive relationships with cross-functional colleagues, customers, and supply chain partners; consults and listens actively to others, presenting tailored messages clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing
- Organisation, Planning, and Time Management – determines clear priorities and develops plans accordingly, managing time and resources with agility to ensure results are achieved, deadlines are met, and quality standards are maintained across a dynamic portfolio of task and projects
- Product Innovation – harnesses customer insights and monitors global market trends to inform a consumer-centered product development agenda and create recipes and product ranges that excite customers
Timeline
Food Stylist (Freelance)
Fowlers Vacola
02.2017 - 10.2021
Product Developer | Co owner - Health Foods
Curiously Cauli
07.2016 - Current
Visual Merchandiser
David Jones
03.2015 - 02.2017
Client Service | Marketing Assistant
L’Oréal Head Office
02.2012 - 12.2014
Post Graduate Degree - Human Nutrition, (Food Science)
Deakin University
Certificate IV - Visual Merchandising
RMIT University
Advanced Diploma - Business Marketing
Swinburne University of Technology
Graduate Certificate - Business
Swinburne University of Technology
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