Research & Product Development Specialist (Dried Fruit Industry)

1 week ago

Hoedspruit, South Africa Lona Citrus (Pty) Ltd Full time

Are you passionate about food innovation and tropical fruit processing? Do you have the skills to develop world‑class dried mango and other fruit products from concept to shelf? We’re looking for a Research and Product Development (R&D) Specialist with a background in Food Technology to join our dynamic team and help us lead innovation in the dried fruit industryp> Key Responsibilities: Food Technology and Research & Development Functions: Drive new product development from idea generation to commercialisation.> Conduct research on mango and other fruit varieties, preservation methods, processing techniques, and shelf‑life improvement. Develop value‑added fruit products (e.g., dried fruit, juices, purees, snacks). Ensure compliance with food safety standards, HACCP, and regulatory requirements. Collaborate with suppliers, production, and marketing to ensure product viability. Analyse market trends and customer feedback to improve and innovate product lines. Analyse packaging trends. Administrative Functions: Assist the GM with procurement, logistics and ordering of raw materials and goods across existing and new product development lines. Capture data relating to receiving, processing, packing, and purchase orders (POs) on the inventory system. Support month‑end stock counts and ensure accurate capturing on the inventory system. Assist with packaging material movement, stock control, and usage monitoring. Monitor and manage requirements and stock of housekeeping items, equipment, PPE, and chemicals. Coordinate office equipment requirements and ensure availability. Arrange catering and logistics for meetings and visitors. Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Food Technology , Food Science, or a related field. Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in R&D, preferably in the fruit or beverage sector. Strong knowledge of food formulation, sensory evaluation, and processing technologies. Familiarity with quality control, lab testing, and product stability protocols. Passion for tropical fruits and sustainable product innovation. We Offer: A chance to shape the future of mango & fruit-based products. Hands‑on experience in a growing agri‑processing business. A supportive, innovative work environment. Competitive salary and benefits. Ready to grow with us? Send your CV and a brief cover letter to with the subject line: R&D Specialist Application by 5 December 2025 . Employment Equity The Lona Group is committed to equity in our employment practices and reserves the right not to appoint. The selection process will be guided by the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of the Lona Group (Pty) Ltd. POPIA Statement Please note that when applying for any position, reference checks will be completed and personal information as defined in the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 will be processed. In applying for this position, applicants will be deemed to have consented to such processing as defined in the Privacy Statement. Please note that should you not be contacted within 1 month after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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