Dr. Sara De Pelsmaeker is a Bio-Engineer in Food Technology and Nutrition, having graduated from Ghent University in 2009. She furthered her education at the same institution, obtaining a Doctoral Degree in Applied Biological Sciences in 2016, with a specialization in sensory analysis and new product development. During her PhD, she gained extensive knowledge in business development and economics. She began her professional career at the Coca-Cola Company, where she worked as a sensory specialist for the EMEA region and focused on R&D for adult sparkling drinks. From 2018, Dr. De Pelsmaeker has been with Rousselot, initially as a Product and Business Development Manager for North-West Europe but later focusing on the global business development of Rousselot’s Health & Nutrition segment, working with customers to develop new collagen-based products. Since 2023, she joined Puratos as the Group Health and Well-Being Director. In her role, she focuses on the renovation for Puratos ingredients to become more healthier, supports the innovation of healthier ingredients and promoting the health benefits of various products. She leads projects within Puratos on potential of gut health solutions in bakery, sugar reduction and overall nutritional improvement in patisserie items. She is a true advocate for improving the nutritional profile and creating health benefits in food products.