CT Day 1 Session 4

Lise is a South African Food scientist with a passion for research and develops sustainable and nutritious food products & systems.

She obtained her undergraduate and Honours degree in Food Science from the University of Pretoria (SA). After her studies, Lise was employed as a new product developer in the food industry where she obtained valuable knowledge in the meat production sector. She was inspired to expand her understanding of consumer and sensory science and therefore studied a certificate in Applied sensory and consumer science through the University of California, Davis.

In 2018 she was selected to do a Masters Program in Italy focused on Food Innovation, the Future of Food and disruptions in our Food System. Her specific topic of study was “the Future of Proteins” for which she travelled to 10 countries on a  60-Day global mission to meet food heroes and start-ups in this novel protein space. The trip resulted in a publication called “The Future of Proteins”, a book aimed at industry and consumers to provide knowledge on the sustainability, nutrition and consumer acceptance of current and new protein sources worldwide.

Jessica Kotlowitz is a Registered Dietitian who is passionate about the use of plant-based diets for the treatment and prevention of obesity and chronic diseases of lifestyle such as Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Jessica qualified with a Bsc. in Dietetics from Stellenbosch University in 2012 after which she completed her Community Service year at Baragwaneth hospital in Johannesburg where she focused on all aspects of clinical nutrition. She began her Masters degree in 2014 and began to research the effects of plant-based diets in an attempt to find solutions to some of her own health problems. After losing 15kg’s and miraculously transforming her own health with the use of a plant-based diet, Jessica went on to open her own private practice in Cape Town which focuses on helping others to achieve optimal health using abundant plant-centred diets. Since her practice has opened, she has helped dozens of people to successfully transform their health and improve their quality of life. She also focuses on helping athletes, pregnant women, lactating women and children to achieve optimal health, well-being and performance while following vegan or vegetarian diets.

Facebook: The Green Dietitian

Instagram: @the_green_dietitian

Website: www.thegreendietitian.co.za

Lisa is a passionate Food Scientist with extensive local and global experience working in a variety of multinationals from Unilever, Pioneerfoods, Mars Inc and Woolworths and across the food FMCG environment (ingredients, manufacturing and retail).  She has a particular interest in ensuring the application of science and technology is meaningful for both people and planet.  Lisa recently returned to South Africa after working for Mars Inc in Europe and is currently the R&D Executive for Mane Flavours – South and East Africa.  Lisa is completing her PhD studies through the University of Stellenbosch Food Science faculty, exploring the impact of major shifts in food consumption patterns since 1994 on the South African food and beverage industry.

Donovan is the Director of ProVeg South Africa, the South African chapter of ProVeg International; a leading international food awareness organisation working to promote plant-based food options across four continents.  Before moving to ProVeg to found their South African chapter, he was the Brand Manager at The Fry Family Food Co. (Fry’s), South Africa’s leading manufacturer of plant-based meat replacements, with distribution to over 30 countries.

Donovan is a passionate advocate for a more conscious lifestyle, and believes in highlighting the health, environmental, economic and ethical benefits of eating a more plant-based diet and moving towards  following a vegan lifestyle. Before becoming involved in the plant-based food arena Donovan held various financial management, accounting, audit and advisory roles.  He had a Bachelor of Business Science with Honours in Finance from UCT, and Honours in Accounting from UNISA.