A career in food science was a natural evolution of Paulo Barsanelli’s lifelong curiosity and passion for understanding how things work. Today, as a Senior R&D and Innovation Analyst at Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), he harnesses that curiosity to develop innovative solutions for the food industry.
Paulo’s fascination with science began early, sparked by his father’s encouragement to explore the mechanics of life and his mother’s creativity in the kitchen. This foundation led him to pursue a degree in chemistry, where he discovered the unique intersection of science and food – a discovery that ultimately guided him to LDC, where he started out as a quality control intern and steadily worked his way into research and development (R&D).
In his current role at LDC, Paulo plays a key role in diversifying our portfolio, adding value to products, optimizing production and reducing waste. “Pursuing those goals in search of new solutions, such as functional ingredients, new aromas and custom juice blends, not only meets growing consumer demand for healthier foods and beverages but also advances LDC’s diversification strategy. Seeing it all come together and turning ideas into real-world results that will meet real consumer needs is incredibly satisfying,” he says.
In addition to developing new products, Paulo has also contributed to technological advancements in LDC operations by leading efforts to test new technologies for the industry, focusing on products such as cells, dry peel and juices in general. He also played a key role in the development of orange juice with reduced sugar content, a project in which he worked from preliminary lab testing to pilot production and industrial scale production.
This project was a great opportunity to explore health-focused products, gain insights into market trends and diversify our portfolio accordingly. Seeing it all come together – knowing that the work will meet real consumer needs – was incredibly satisfying.
Beyond technical projects, Paulo’s role is varied and dynamic – from conducting factory tests to analyzing laboratory data and supporting departments like Quality Control and Customer Service. “R&D is a field where no two days are alike. That keeps me challenged and engaged,” he says.
Looking ahead, Paulo believes food science and technology will be central to addressing global challenges. “Demand for both sustainable and functional food products is growing, so I believe that innovation and sustainability are inseparable,” he explains. “Artificial intelligence will be a game-changer, helping optimize processes and accelerate innovation – not just to develop products, but to create a better future for everyone.”
