Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Additional Information
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Keitija Mihailova

Greenville

Summary

Experienced food scientist with a strong background in product development, project management, and regulatory compliance. Led the creation of innovative beverage products, including sugar reduction initiatives and new product lines like Immunity and Energy Water. Skilled in collaborating with global suppliers. Recognized as a leader, driving cost-saving solutions and sustainability efforts, while ensuring high-quality standards. Promoted for hard work, with a proven track record of successfully managing audits and launching products in Europe.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

R&D Food Scientist, Technologist

Royal Unibrew
06.2019 - 01.2024
  • Led the development and launch of new product lines, including Immunity Drinks (2020) and Energy Water (2024), increasing sales and recognition across Northern Europe and Belgium.
  • Managed sugar reduction projects across multiple beverage categories (juice drinks, nectars, CSDs, near waters, soft drinks, wine drinks), resulting in significant cost savings (over $1.1 million) and improved sustainability by optimizing packaging materials.
  • Led projects for suppliers from India, USA, and Northern Europe, ensuring that production in our facilities met their specific requirements, while adhering to local regulatory standards and quality management protocols.
  • Contributed to trend-setting innovations, including introducing Ashwagandha in beverages, now recognized as a growing trend in the UK and market.
  • Spearheaded the implementation of wine drink production for the first time in company history, demonstrating a strong capacity for leading complex, cross-functional projects.
  • Provided consulting services to Royal Unibrew subsidiaries in Finland, Lithuania, and Estonia on PepsiCo and other product implementations, ensuring smooth integration of processes.
  • Nominated Leader of the Year 2020 for exceptional leadership during a challenging year, motivating teams and driving progress as the sole food scientist in the company.
  • Successfully participated in audits and inspections, including those by PepsiCo, ensuring adherence to food safety regulations and quality standards.

Food Technologist Assistant

Royal Unibrew
03.2018 - 06.2019
  • Prepared and distributed meeting agendas, minutes, and relevant materials, ensuring clear communication and smooth workflow across departments.
  • Conducted in-depth research and prepared detailed reports on industry trends.
  • Actively participated in company inspections and audits, including those by PepsiCo, ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards.
  • Ensured production adhered to food circulation legislation and quality management requirements, maintaining high standards throughout the process.

Education

Master of Science - Food Science

Latvia University of Life Sciences & Technologies
Latvia
06.2020

Bachelor of Science - Food Sciences And Technology

Latvia University of Life Sciences & Technologies
Latvia
06.2018

Skills

  • Product Development & Innovation
  • Project Management
  • Food Science & Technology
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Beverage Formulation
  • Cost Optimization

Certification

  • Labeling of FDA Food Products, AIB International - October 2024
  • Mastery of Social Communication as a

Digital Marketing Tool, ETC - July 2023 -

October 2023

  • Psychology. Business Intuition, Konsul’s Business Association - October 2021 - May 2023
  • PepsiCo Food Safety - AIBI, Self

Inspection Programs: What Does Good

Look Like - May 2022

  • Regulation No.1169/2011 Requirements for

the Labeling of Food Products, Latsert - June 2022

  • Presentation Skills for Business, KIC

Commercial Eduction Center - April 2022

  • Self - Control System of Food Companies and

for Food Circulation (HACCP Certificate), Latsert - 2017

Additional Information

  • Volunteer at Feed and Seed Greenville, SC 2024
  • 10th PTF Student Scientific Conference, Latvia - 2020
  • Representative of the Convention of the 10th convocation of the Latvian

University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia - 2018

  • 8th PTF Student Scientific Conference, Latvia - 2018
  • 7th PTF Student Scientific Conference, Latvia - 2017
  • 12th International Scientific Conference Students on Their Way to

Science, Latvia - 2017

Languages

English
Professional Working
Russian
Limited Working

Timeline

R&D Food Scientist, Technologist

Royal Unibrew
06.2019 - 01.2024

Food Technologist Assistant

Royal Unibrew
03.2018 - 06.2019

Master of Science - Food Science

Latvia University of Life Sciences & Technologies

Bachelor of Science - Food Sciences And Technology

Latvia University of Life Sciences & Technologies
Keitija Mihailova