Austin Vaziri

• Served as culinary and insights lead for a national food manufacturer, developing data-backed product applications aligned to operator needs.
• Delivered high-impact demos and presentations at NRA, RCA, and Pizza Expo to support sales team pipeline growth.
• Collaborated with Sales & Marketing to create insight-driven product stories and operator-ready menu applications.
• Trained regional sales reps on data-driven culinary innovation strategies, enabling product expansion beyond traditional Greek channels (e.g., flatbread pizza, premium sandwich platforms).
• Facilitated technical and operational training for chain and distributor partners to support product adoption.

• Acted as primary culinary lead for major CPG manufacturers, developing insights-driven menu concepts and product applications.
• Contributed to renewal of Danone North America's $1M+ annual retainer through culinary strategy, insights, and operator-focused presentations.
• Created gold-standard recipes for hundreds of SKUs using trend platforms, menu analytics, and operator data.
• Represented clients at NRA, RCA, Flavor Experience, and Pizza Expo to drive engagement and visibility

Manufacturers (Culinary-Led)

Danone NA, Jennie-O, Texas Pete, Jack & Annie’s.

• Acted as primary culinary lead for major CPG manufacturers, developing insights-driven menu concepts and product applications.

• Contributed to renewal of Danone North America’s $1M+ annual retainer through culinary strategy, insights, and operator-focused presentations.

• Created gold-standard recipes for hundreds of SKUs using trend platforms, menu analytics, and operator data.

• Represented clients at NRA, RCA, Flavor Experience, and Pizza Expo to drive engagement and visibility.

Chain Accounts (Innovation Sessions on Behalf of Manufacturers)

• Burger King, Taco Bell, Wendy's, Jack in the Box, Checkers/Rally's, Hardee's/Carl's Jr., Jamba, and more.
• Conducted over 100 insights-backed culinary innovation sessions to help manufacturers sell products to major chains.
• Presented competitive sets, LTO landscapes, and trend-driven menu opportunities to chain R&D teams.
• Developed operator-ready concepts aligned with brand platforms and operational standards.
• Supported chain-side discussions as a strategic culinary partner, representing manufacturer capabilities.

• Developed trend-informed menu concepts and recipes for national chains and manufacturers.
• Participated in 20+ trade shows (IFT, RCA), conducting culinary demos emphasizing data-supported category opportunities.
• Conducted market research, flavor development, sensory testing, and operational validation.