Past Events

Renée Goodrich Schneider

Professor, UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition

Renée Goodrich Schneider is a Professor of Food Science & Technology and a faculty member of the Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) department at the University of Florida (UF). She joined UF after working in the juice and beverage industry for 11 years in technical and managerial positions. Her research interests are in the area of food safety, processing and quality, particularly in the areas of fruit, vegetable and beverage processing and toxicology. She is the Graduate Coordinator, responsible for department graduate programs, reports and graduate student concerns, and teaches three graduate-level courses, including Food Toxicology and Industrial Food Fermentations. She also teaches Food Product Development, the capstone course of the undergraduate Food Science program. Dr. Goodrich has an active Extension program and is part of the UF FSHN Food Safety Extension Team that has conducted food safety Extension outreach since 2001, starting with GAPs and now including FSPCA and PSA programs. Additionally, she conducts an internationally-recognized Juice HACCP Training program, as well as coordinating the annual UF International Citrus and Beverage Conference.

Susan S. Percival

Chair, UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition

Dr. Susan S. Percival is a Professor of Nutritional Sciences and Chair of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Florida. Her educational background began with a B.S. degree from the University of Rhode Island, a Master’s of Science degree from the University of California, Davis, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas, Austin. She did postdoctoral research in the department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at Texas A&M University. She was tenure track faculty at the University of Rhode Island prior to an educational leave to pursue her doctorate, which she completed in 1985. During her career at the University of Florida she took an 8-month sabbatical leave at the National Institutes of Health with the Nutritional Sciences Research Group at the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Percival is the elected Secretary for the American Society for Nutrition and has served as chair of three research interest groups. She is currently on the Editorial Board for Advances in Nutrition and has served the Journal of Nutrition in the past. Her research explores how dietary components influence human immunity. Experimental models using cell culture, mice and humans reveal that certain dietary components such as bioactive compounds from fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, red wine, green tea and aged garlic will modify immunity such that it is primed and ready to respond. The clinical relevance of her research is aimed at avoiding common illnesses such as the cold and flu.

Linda Bartoshuk

Professor, UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition

Trained in experimental psychology (psychophysics), Bartoshuk’s early work focused on health consequences of oral sensory variation (genetics and pathology) and discovered supertasters. More recently, her research group at the University of Florida is using regression models to examine associations between volatiles and taste. The chemosensory field has known for some years that retronasal olfaction (i.e., perception of food volatiles from the mouth) and taste interact in the brain such that a few volatiles can enhance taste. The UF group initially discovered many more volatiles that enhance sweet than were initially known; they are now searching for volatiles that enhance saltiness.

Kristen Carlson

Executive Director, Florida Citrus Processors Association

Kristen Carlson graduated from the University of Florida and Stetson College of Law in 1977. She worked at the Florida Department of Citrus for 13 years, serving as its General Counsel. Moving into private law practice, she stayed active with the juice industry, serving as General Counsel to National Juice Products Assn, JPA and led the IFU's work with the Codex ad hoc task force on fruit juice standards as President of the IFU Legislation Commission. Today she is Exec Dir. of Fla. Citrus Processors Assn and of the newly formed Citrus Research & Field Trial Foundation. She continues to practice law with Macfarlane Ferguson and McMullen law firm in Tampa.

Chiara Corleone

Export Sales Manager, Agrumaria Corleone Spa

Chiara Corleone is one of the shareholders and manager of Agrumaria Corleone, one of the leading citrus processors in Italy founded at the end of 19th century as one of the pioneers of the Italian citrus processing industry.

She belongs to the fourth generation of the family who have owned and run the business since its foundation. After gaining work experience at an international trading house in London, she joined the family business in 1992. She has since been closely involved in the exportation and marketing of Agrumaria Corleone’s products. She has made a significant contribution towards the growth of the company which today exports over 70% of its production to markets around the world. She in now involved in key aspects of the company’s management.

Fred Gmitter, Jr.

Professor, UF/IFAS Citrus Research & Education Center

Fred Gmitter, a Professor at the UF/IFAS CREC, earned his Ph.D. from UF in 1985. Along with his colleagues, he has developed and released more than 40 citrus scion and rootstock cultivars. He led the International Citrus Genome Consortium effort and produced the first publicly available citrus genome sequences. He has published more than 160 manuscripts in scientific journals, including one last year on the origins and evolution of citrus in NATURE. He has traveled to many of the world’s citrus production regions to understand aspects of citrus production and marketing, in addition to local citrus breeding and genetics programs. Current research includes developing selectable markers for important traits, consumer-driven breeding, and developing HLB-resistant cultivars using traditional and contemporary genetic approaches.

Lisa A. House

Director, Florida Agricultural Market Research Center and Professor & Chair, UF/IFAS FRED

Dr. Lisa House is Director of the Florida Agricultural Market Research Center, and Professor & Chair in the Food and Resource Economics Department at the University of Florida. Dr. House holds a teaching and research appointment. Dr. House earned her B.S. in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Florida, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University. In research, Dr. House works on subjects such as consumer acceptance of biotech foods, demand for seafood products, perception of fruits and vegetables, and the role of social networks in new food product adoption.

Don Kautter

Senior Advisor, U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Don is a Senior Advisor in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Food and Drug Administration. Don has been a co-lead for implementation of the Intentional Adulteration regulation since 2014 and is a SME on juice HACCP, food defense, foodborne outbreaks, the human food FSMA regulations, and FDA food inspection/compliance activities. Don is a primary instructor for regulators on how to conduct inspections under the Preventive Controls regulation. Don received his Master’s in Food Science at the University of Maryland and his undergraduate at George Mason University.

Scott Kerr

Fruit Procurement Director, IMG Enterprises, Inc.

Scott is a 4th generation Florida citrus farmer, and the Fruit Procurement Director for IMG Citrus, a leading grower of fresh Florida citrus. A graduate of Florida Southern College with a double degree in business and citrus management, Scott has over 25 years of experience overseeing caretaking, harvesting, and fruit procurement of Florida citrus. He is a member of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association and has been heavily involved in University of Florida IFAS research and development initiatives around new citrus varieties for both market development and HLB resistance.

Samantha Lane

Global Marketing Director, Florida Department of Citrus

Samantha Lane is the Director for Global Marketing at the Florida Department of Citrus. She has twenty years of marketing and communications experience in Florida’s top industries including higher education, tourism, and agriculture. Prior to taking on some of the toughest communications challenges for Florida Citrus, Lane served as the Public Relations Manager for LEGOLAND Florida where she led successful PR campaigns and theme park expansions garnering earned media coverage around the world. Lane started her career by moving through the ranks at the University of South Florida Polytechnic holding various positions, most recently as the Director of Marketing and Communications.

Andrew MacIntosh

Assistant Professor, University of Florida

After working in the manufacturing industry as a departmental engineer, Andrew transitioned to academia to complete a masters in Biological Engineering optimizing an antibiotic fermentation. He then took the opportunity to complete a Ph.D. where he studied brewing (seriously). After three years as an Assistant Professor in the Chemical Engineering department, he transitioned to Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Florida. In his new appointment Andrew has continues his study of the fundamental principles behind fermentation, while also working directly with state industries through extension programs, and grants. In Nova Scotia, Andrew was known as the “beer whisperer”.

Ricardo Martinez

Lead Sales Representative, Citrofrut

Ricardo currently leads Citrus North America Sales at Citrofrut, the largest citrus grower and processor in Mexico. His work experience includes brand management and strategic business consulting within large Consumer Product Goods Companies. He holds a Chemical Engineering degree from the Monterrey Technological Institute and an MBA from the Yale School of Management. He is happily married and a proud father of four daughters. On his spare time, he enjoys playing golf and soccer, as well as supporting his community.

Alex Nolte

Commercial Manager, Citrusvil

Since May 2005 Mr. Alex Nolte has been the Commercial Manager in Citrusvil S.A. for industrial products. He started in 1998 as junior seller of industrial products in the lemon industry in Citrico S.A. He has many years of experience in International Logistics both Truck and Sea Freight and also studied Business Administration.

Andrew Patron

Vice President, Chemistry and Natural Products

Dr. Patron is the Vice President of Chemistry and Natural Products at Firmenich in San Diego. He joined Senomyx (now Firmenich) in October 2000 and has over 20 years of research experience in synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry/lead optimization, GMP scale up, and natural products discovery. Dr. Patron has managed several groups and programs over the years, including the creation of the naturals group at Firmenich San Diego, as well as the Salt, Bitter, Cool and Naturals Sweet Taste Programs. He received his Ph.D. in Chemistry under Professor K.C. Nicolaou from University of California, San Diego and a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and biochemistry from the University of San Diego. Dr. Patron has authored or co-authored more than 60 publications and issued patents.

Cecilia Pereyra

Marketing Manager of the Global Marketing & Branding Team, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

Cecilia lives to inspire. A New Jersey native, Cecilia Pereyra danced through her career with enviable roles involving taste and scent. She has nearly 10 years’ experience in marketing everything from sweet goods and beverages to oral care, all while inspiring colleagues and clients with new and innovative flavors, scents and technologies. She’s even literally danced around the world inspiring others as a professional NBA dancer! She has worked with numerous companies seeking to be inspired and lastly has found a home at IFF as Marketing Manager of the Global Marketing and Branding Team.

Praveen Pathak

Professor, University of Florida

Praveen Pathak is the Robert B. Carter Professor of Information Systems and Operations Management. He received his Ph.D. from University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, , and a B.Tech. (Honors) from the Indian Institute of Technology. His research interests are in the field of Web Mining, Blockchain Technology and Data Analytics. His research has been published in various journals including Management Science, Information Systems Research, Production and Operations Management, and Decision Support Systems. Before entering academics, Prof. Pathak had worked with Citibank, India and helped start its mortgage business.

Melanie Ressler

CFO, IMG Enterprises, Inc.

Melanie Ressler currently serves as the CFO of IMG Enterprises, Inc., a diversified agribusiness with operations in citrus, real estate mitigation banking, landscape construction and ornamental plant production. Melanie is a second generation owner of IMG Enterprises, Inc. She sits on the company’s Board of Directors and Strategic Development and Advisory Team. Prior to her role in finance, she was the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Asian Sales of the Citrus subsidiary (IMG Citrus). Member of the Rabobank Ag Advisory Board and the Citrus Administrative Committee. Educated at Stetson University (BA) and Paris Graduate School of Management (MBA).

Russell Rouseff

Emeritus Professor, University of Florida, CREC

Russell Rouseff has recently completed a five-year contract with Southwest University in Chongqing, China specializing in citrus processing chemistry. He is also an Emeritus Professor at the University of Florida’s CREC. After retiring from UF in 2012 he worked as a consultant and expert witness before joining Southwest U. He has written or edited seven books, 55 book chapters and over 200 scientific papers and published abstracts. His areas of interest include citrus metabolic pathways and flavor changes during processing and storage. He is a fellow and winner of the American Chemical Society Advancement of Food and Agricultural Chemistry Award, an IFT Certified Food Scientist, and was selected in the Chinese 10,000 Talent Plan for High-Level Experts.

Tripti Vashisth

Assistant Professor, University of Florida

Dr. Vashisth has been working in the field of plant physiology and fruit developmental physiology for over 10 years. Dr. Vashisth’s primary research is focused on citrus production and strategies to improve fruit quality. Currently, Dr. Vashisth is actively involved with several projects targeted towards improved citrus production under prevalent HLB conditions. She is conducting statewide trials on citrus nutrition and horticultural practices to rehabilitate the HLB-affected trees.

Yu Wang

UF/IFAS CREC

Dr. Yu Wang is an Assistant Professor of Food Chemistry at UF/CREC. Her research has focused on flavor chemistry and natural products chemistry, emphasizing the flavor (aroma and taste) of fruits, herbs and other agricultural commodities, as well as flavor modulators. She earned her Ph.D. at Rutgers University. Dr. Wang was a Flavor Chemistry Manager at Mars Chocolate Inc., directing flavor application and modulation.

Doug West

Innovation Director for North America, Givaudan

Doug West is a Society of Flavor Chemists Certified Flavorist who has worked extensively in the area of flavor technology for food and beverages. His background in chemistry started his 33-year career at Givaudan where he is now the Innovation Director for North America and is focused on building technology which creates, moments of delight for consumers.

Randy Worobo

Professor, Cornell University

Dr. Randy Worobo is a Professor of Food Microbiology at the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The primary objective of his research is alternative approaches to enhance the safety and quality of food, and includes microbial spoilage of foods and beverages, non-thermal processing alternatives for juice and beverages, as well as pathogen transmission and survival on fruits and vegetables. Worobo also engages with the industry through his extensive outreach program, which is accomplished through workshops, conferences and direct contact with food processors around the world.

Marisa Zansler

Director of Economic and Market Research, Florida Department of Citrus

Dr. Marisa Zansler is the Director of Economic and Market Research Department at the Florida Department of Citrus with nearly 20 years of experience in conducting and managing economic research and policy analysis of plant health management programs. She also serves as the Chief Economist to the Florida Citrus Commission. She is responsible for overseeing the collection, analysis and reporting of economic and market research data. She earned a Ph.D. in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Florida in 2004. She also holds a B.A. in Political Science, a B.S. in Ag Business, and a M.S. in Ag Economics from Louisiana State University. She currently resides in Gainesville, FL.

Paul Zorner

CEO, Locus Agricultural Solutions

Paul Zorner is CEO of Locus Agricultural Solutions, Adjunct Professor of Horticulture at North Carolina State University and Associate Editor for the journal Industrial Biotechnology. Paul is an elected Fellow of the Weed Science Society of America and an inventor on 37 issued US patents. He was named a Queensland Champion by the Queensland, Australia Government for contributions to agriculture and biotechnology. Paul has held research, operating and administrative positions with large agribusiness companies and venture-backed startups. His career has focused on increasing agricultural productivity, improving the nutritional content of food and to increase the economic and environmental stability of rural agricultural communities.

Clarissa Albarran

Director of Food Science and Technical Services, Brown International Corporation, LLC

Clarissa Albarran works for Brown International Corporation, LLC as their Director of Food Science and Technical Services. She has worked at several different roles during her 12 years at Brown. She and her team perform audits at Citrus Processing plants around the world, commission Citrus Processing lines and help in the development of Citrus products and processes. Clarissa received her undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida in Chemical Engineering and is currently completing a Master in Business Administration at Florida State University.

Keith Schneider

Professor, UF/IFAS Food Science & Human Nutrition

Keith Schneider received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida. He received his Master’s from the University of South Florida’s College of Public Health where he worked in the area of food safety microbiology. He returned to the University of Florida to pursue his doctoral studies in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, studying the food chemistry. He returned to the University of Florida in the fall of 2000, taking a position in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition specializing in food safety microbiology. His current research focuses on produce safety, examining pathogen survival and intervention strategies for Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7 and other foodborne pathogens. His extension outreach activities include conducting food safety training in Florida and around the country.

Nick Shields

Food Scientist, The Coca-Cola Company

Nick Shields is part of the Coca-Cola’s Citrus Science and Technology group out of Apopka, Florida. Previously he worked as a product developer for ConAgra Foods where he worked on canned goods such as Chef Boyardee and Wolf Chili. He also worked as a product developer for PepsiCo and Tropicana. He has a BS from Purdue in Food Science and a certificate of Enology from UC Davis.

Doug Van Strijp

Technical Services Facility Leader, Southern Gardens Citrus

Doug currently works at Southern Gardens Citrus in the role as Technical Services Facility Leader. Previous to this Doug worked at Tropicana in various management roles. Doug has been in the citrus industry for thirty nine years and on the International Citrus and Beverage Conference committee for twenty five years. Doug also serves on several industry committees collaborating with others to address current industry concerns. Doug has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry from the State University College at Buffalo New York.

Savy DiBenedetto

Consultant, Savy Quality Review, Inc.

With emphasis in the beverage industry, Savy specializes in Quality Systems and Programs, Processing and Problem Solving with lead instructor training in four of the FDA FSMA rules and the Juice HACCP Regulation. Retired in 2015 after 35 years with Coca-Cola Corporate with his last position being: Global Liquid Foods Supplier Developer for Global Quality. Savy graduated with a master’s degree from LIU in microbiology. He lives in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida.

Dave Johnson

Director of Quality and Research, Peace River Citrus Products

Dave has worked at Peace River Citrus for the past 25 years, and has been in the citrus industry for nearly 35 years. Dave began his citrus industry career at Florida’s Natural Growers in Lake Wales, and later moved to Indian River Foods in Fort Pierce. Dave received his Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Southern College. He is proud to have served on the International Citrus and Beverage Conference Committee for more than 30 years.

Giuseppe Ingrilli

Commercial Director, Eurofood Srl

Giuseppe moved back to Sicily and joined his family company Eurofood Srl in 2011, after studying International business in Europe, Asia and North America. With his international background, he became the Commercial Director of the company in 2013, for both retail and ingredients sales. In addition to new business and product development, he’s actively involved in the daily management of the company.

Simona Caratozzolo

Commercial Director, Citrofood

Simona Caratozzolo joined in the family business Citrofood at year 2000 as an Account Manager, after graduating in Statistical Sciences. She has worked her way up in the commercial department over the years, working closely with customers not only on the sales side, but also on new product development and technical aspects of the job as well. Having involved with the business for almost 2 decades, her extensive experience in the citrus industry helps her better understand the evolution of market trends, and preparing the relevant responses to ensure her customers stay up to date with the latest trends.

Adam Thocher

Executive Director, Juice Products Association

Adam Thocher is the Executive Director of the Juice Products Association. For almost 15 years, Adam has been leading the strategy, implementation, and growth of trade associations in Washington, DC. In addition to his role with JPA, Adam serves as an advisor to the food and beverage clients of the Kellen Company, a global Association Management firm. Adam received his MBA in strategy and finance from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University.

When not working, Adam enjoys trying not to kill himself on his mountain bike and spending time with his wife Jenna and George, their silly Australian Shepherd.

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