Food manufacturing
10 sensory science experts
These ten professionals have held sensory science roles at food and beverage companies, with titles such as Director of Sensory and HQ Sensory Science Team Lead. A reader can learn how in-house sensory and consumer science teams support product development.
Professionals to explore
01—10Claire Hidrio
LinkedInExperience: Global Director Sensory & Consumer Science · AB InBev
Global Director Sensory & Consumer Science at AB InBev since 2014, and former Global sensory and consumer science manager (2010–2014) and Global Sensory and Consumer Science specialist (2007–2010) at AB InBev. The profile says Claire Hidrio has a team of 15 people with expertise in product design, data science, design of experiment, consumer insights and sensory, and guides R&D teams.
Elizabeth Clark, Ph.D.
LinkedInExperience: Principal Scientist Sensory & Consumer Science · McCormick & Company
Principal Scientist Sensory & Consumer Science at McCormick & Company since 2026, and former Senior Scientist Sensory & Consumer Science (2023–2026) and Scientist II Sensory & Consumer Science (2020–2023) there. Former Sensory Laboratory Manager at Virginia Tech (2016–2018). The profile says Elizabeth Clark has conducted and published research on the impact of human emotions on food choice.
Emily Kimmins
LinkedInExperience: R&D Lead Sensory & Consumer Science · Kraft Heinz
R&D Lead Sensory & Consumer Science at Kraft Heinz since 2023, and former Sr. Sensory Manager at KraftHeinz (2018–2023). Former Consumer Sensory Insights and Ideation Manager at Nestlé (2016–2017), Sensory Manager at Nestlé R&D (2010–2016) and Sensory Scientist at Dr Pepper Snapple Group (2008–2010).
Henry F. Yeung
LinkedInExperience: Director of Sensory · fairlife
Director of Sensory at fairlife since 2026; the profile says Henry F. Yeung leads sensory and consumer science at fairlife, a Coca-Cola company, and works on connecting consumer experience to formulation, packaging and brand decisions. Former Global Lead, UX, Sensory, & Consumer Insights (2024–2025) and Consumer Lab Lead (2020–2024) at Driscoll's.
Kathy Bantivoglio
LinkedInExperience: Director Global Sensory & Consumer Insights, 3D Design · The Hershey Company
Director Global Sensory & Consumer Insights, 3D Design at The Hershey Company since 2012. The profile says Kathy Bantivoglio leads a cross-functional team that supports product and package innovation through a wide array of sensory and consumer research tools and 3D design, across all phases of the stage gate process. Former Sr. Program Manager at The Campbell's Company (2008–2012).
María Elena Lozano Dieck
LinkedInExperience: Americas Sensory & Consumer Experience Senior Manager · PepsiCo
Americas Sensory & Consumer Experience Senior Manager at PepsiCo since 2024. Former Americas Sensory & Consumer Experience Operations Manager (2022–2024), Sensory & Consumer Product Insights Manager at LATAM PepsiCo (2019–2022) and Sensory & Consumer Product Insights Associate Principal Scientist (2013–2019) at PepsiCo.
Matt Cullingworth
LinkedInExperience: R&D Director Sensory & Consumer Product Insights - Europe · PepsiCo
R&D Director Sensory & Consumer Product Insights - Europe at PepsiCo since 2019. The profile also lists R&D Senior Manager Sensory & Consumer Product Insights - Western Europe & Sub Saharan Africa (from 2017) and Sensory & Consumer Product Insights Manager - Western Europe and Sub Saharan Africa (from 2007) at PepsiCo with no end dates, and former Sensory Product Insights Technologist at PepsiCo (1996–2007).
Scott P. Breen
LinkedInExperience: Sr. Sensory Manager · Rich Products Corporation
Sr. Sensory Manager at Rich Products Corporation since 2024, where the profile says Scott P. Breen leads sensory goal setting, strategy development and execution for Rich's United States and Canada Business Units. Former Sensory, Systems & Analytics Manager (2022–2024), Sensory Science Manager (2021–2022) and Sensory Scientist III (2020–2021) at Rich Products Corporation.
Soh Min Lee
LinkedInExperience: HQ Sensory Science Team Lead · CJ CheilJedang
HQ Sensory Science Team Lead at CJ CheilJedang since 2022, and former Sensory team Senior Researcher at CJ CheilJedang (2017–2022). The profile describes Soh Min Lee as CJ's Sensory & Consumer Science Platform Leader. Former Research professor at Ewha Womans University 이화여자대학교 (2015–2017).
Valerie Rexroth
LinkedInExperience: Sr. Manager, R&D and Sensory · Flowers Foods & Subsidiaries
Sr. Manager, R&D and Sensory at Flowers Foods & Subsidiaries since 2024, a role the profile describes as covering R&D and commercialization of baked products, plus sensory and consumer testing for innovation and product maintenance across all Flowers brands. Former Sensory Science Manager at Flowers Foods & Subsidiaries (2021–2024).
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's product category and team setup to yours, since running sensory work for a global brand portfolio differs from supporting one business unit or a smaller company. Also decide whether your question is mainly about test methods, panel and lab operations, or turning results into product decisions, and ask each person which of those their roles centered on.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How do you decide which sensory method to use for a given product question, such as discrimination, descriptive or consumer acceptance testing?
- 02How do you run and maintain a trained descriptive panel, and how do you check that it stays reliable over time?
- 03How do you present sensory results so that product developers and brand teams act on them?
Reaching sensory science experts
How can I contact one of these sensory science experts?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 9 companies, including AB InBev, McCormick & Company and Kraft Heinz, based on profile data retrieved on October 4, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach sensory science experts?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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