Basavaraj Gani
Menomonie,WI
Summary
Food technologist with over 8 years of total professional experience, including approximately 4.5 years in vegan product research, development, and manufacturing, and 3.5 years in food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory audits. Former Head of Manufacturing with expertise in plant-based dairy alternatives, GMP, GHP, and Food Safety Management Systems. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Food Science and Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, with academic focus on sustainable and innovative food systems.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of Manufacturing, New Product Development.
Nourish You
India
09.2024 - 01.2025
- Led cross-functional end-to-end product development for plant-based milks, seed snacks, superfoods, and vegan cheese alternatives, driving innovation from concept through commercialization.
- Managed manufacturing operations, scaling production capacity and ensuring GMP, quality assurance, process optimization, and consistent product quality.
- Developed and implemented robust SOPs, quality control protocols, and process validations to support clean label, high-nutrient functional food products.
- Collaborated with R&D, suppliers, and production teams to refine formulations, improve shelf stability, and enhance sensory attributes of core Nourish product portfolio.
- Directed root cause analysis, CAPA, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects, increase yield, and strengthen operational efficiency in a high-growth start-up environment.
Head of Manufacturing & Research and Development.
One Good
India
01.2022 - 09.2024
- Promoted from Lead to Head of Manufacturing & R&D in recognition of leadership, product innovation, and operational performance.
- Led end-to-end manufacturing and R&D for vegan dairy alternatives, including plant-based curd/yogurt and millet milk, from formulation to commercial scale-up.
- Reformulated plant-based curd/yogurt and millet milk to improve texture, stability, shelf-life, and sensory attributes, enhancing product consistency and market acceptance.
- Directed GMP compliance, QA/QC systems, SOP development, and process optimization to ensure scalable, cost-effective, and high-quality production.
- Strengthened manufacturing operations and product portfolio performance, contributing to strategic growth and eventual acquisition by a larger plant-based brand.
Food Safety & Quality Assurance Lead
One Good
India
08.2020 - 01.2022
- Led Food Safety Management System (FSMS) implementation including HACCP, GMP, SOP compliance, and regulatory standards across manufacturing operations.
- Managed internal audits, hygiene inspections, supplier quality audits, and external regulatory audits; ensured 100% audit readiness and compliance.
- Oversaw QA/QC processes including raw material inspection, in-process quality checks, finished product testing, and documentation control.
- Implemented root cause analysis (RCA), CAPA, deviation control, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects and strengthen food safety culture.
Senior Executive - Food Safety & Quality
Quess Corp
India
01.2018 - 06.2020
- Implemented FSMS (HACCP, ISO 22000, GMP); ensured audit readiness and regulatory compliance.
- Led QA/QC, CAPA, root cause analysis, supplier audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Senior Executive - Food Safety & Hygiene
Massive Restaurants Pvt. Ltd.
India
01.2016 - 12.2018
- Ensured HACCP, GMP, and local health department compliance across high-volume kitchen operations; maintained 100% audit readiness.
- Conducted internal food safety audits, hygiene inspections, and corrective action (CAPA) implementation to prevent non-conformities.
- Led staff training on food handling, sanitation, allergen control, and SOP adherence to strengthen food safety culture.
Executive - Food Quality Control
TinyOwl
India
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Established QA/QC processes, SOPs, and quality standards for production operations; ensured HACCP and GMP compliance from launch stage.
- Performed raw material inspection, in-process quality checks, finished product testing, and documentation control.
- Implemented root cause analysis and CAPA to reduce defects, improve consistency, and strengthen overall quality performance.
Education
Master of Science - Food Science & Technology
University of Wisconsin, Stout
Menomonie, WI01-2026
Master of Science - Food & Beverage Technology
Kaunas University of Technology
Lithuania01-2015
Bachelor of Science - Food Science & Technology
University of Agricultural Sciences
India01-2012
Skills
- Plant-based research and development
- Food processing operations
- GMP and GHP compliance
- Execution of FSMS protocols
- Quality control management
- New Product Development
- Operational scaling proficiency
- Collaborative skill enhancement
Accomplishments
- Safety Audit - Led monthly safety audits to monitor employee behavior and ensure safe compliance with company policies and safety regulations.
- Maintenance - Reduced equipment downtime by 25% through planned maintenance.
- Earned “Employee of the Month” award in [August, 2024].
Certification
- Up Skill Session: Labelling Regulations, 2020
- Social-Behavioral-Educational (SBE) Comprehensive
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Elementary
Hindi
Native or Bilingual
Internships And Early Experience
- Student Intern, Unilever, India (2011) – Gained exposure to food manufacturing operations, quality assurance, GMP practices, and production process control in an FMCG environment.
- Summer, Campco Chocolates, India (2010–2011) – Assisted in chocolate processing, quality control, raw material inspection, and hygiene compliance in confectionery manufacturing.
- Certification in Food Preservation, KSOU Mysore, India (2012) – Food processing, preservation techniques, shelf-life management.
Timeline
Head of Manufacturing, New Product Development.
Nourish You
09.2024 - 01.2025
Head of Manufacturing & Research and Development.
One Good
01.2022 - 09.2024
Food Safety & Quality Assurance Lead
One Good
08.2020 - 01.2022
Senior Executive - Food Safety & Quality
Quess Corp
01.2018 - 06.2020
Senior Executive - Food Safety & Hygiene
Massive Restaurants Pvt. Ltd.
01.2016 - 12.2018
Executive - Food Quality Control
TinyOwl
01.2015 - 12.2016
Master of Science - Food Science & Technology
University of Wisconsin, Stout
Master of Science - Food & Beverage Technology
Kaunas University of Technology
Bachelor of Science - Food Science & Technology
University of Agricultural Sciences