Riccardo Federico Loi
Chicago
Summary
Manufacturing and R&D professional with 7+ years of experience in the confectionery industry, gained within Ferrero Group across production lines and specialized R&D laboratories. Strong expertise in laboratory-scale formulation, biscuits and wafer processing, pilot line collaboration, and production feasibility assessment. Proven ability to support product development from formulation to industrial scale-up in complex, high-performance environments.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Laboratory Operator
Ferrero North America – DTC CCC Biscuits & Wafers
Chicago, IL, USA
03.2023 - Current
- Management of laboratory operations, including production planning and quality control.
- Managed and developed laboratory-scale batches with strong expertise in both formulation from scratch based on specific product requirements and rebalancing of existing formulations.
- Executed and monitored over 280 unique recipes/formulations over a 3-year period
- Conducted PTPM trials to evaluate production machinery, including manufacturing feasability, in support of a $10M approved project for the Augusta Line.
- Conducted experimental testing on fat synergy systems, including lauric and non-lauric fats, to evaluate performance, compatibility and process behavior.
- Supervision and coordination of laboratory staff.
- Oversight of production processes related to biscuits and wafers.
- Ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
DTC Cookies and Wafers Laboratory Operator
Ferrero S.p.A.
Alba
12.2019 - 02.2023
- Built a solid and specialized technical background in biscuits and wafer-based products, establishing core expertise that defines current professional experience in this category.
- Supported R&D and laboratory-scale activities focused on biscuits and wafer formulations, including process trials, recipe adjustments, and performance evaluation.
- Conducted experimental testing to optimize product quality, structure, and process behavior, with attention to scalability and industrial feasibility.
- Collaborated closely with pilot production lines to support industrial-scale development and validation for major Ferrero products, including:
Kinderini, Nutella Biscuits, Nutella Cookie, Kinder Cards, Nutella B‑Ready, Happy Hippo and Krockao. - Contributed to the transition from laboratory and pilot scale to industrial production, working alongside cross‑functional teams in R&D, process engineering, and manufacturing.
Gummies and Candies Laboratory Operator
Ferrero S.p.A.
Alba
11.2018 - 12.2019
- Supported R&D activities focused on gummy product development, including laboratory-scale batch preparation and process trials.
- Assisted in formulation testing, ingredient evaluation, and process behavior analysis for gummy products.
Line Operator
Ferrero S.p.A
Alba
08.2016 - 10.2018
- Operated production machinery to ensure efficient product flow and minimize downtime.
- Monitored quality control parameters to maintain product standards and compliance with safety regulations.
- Coordinated with team members to optimize workflow and enhance production efficiency across multiple lines.
- Trained new operators on equipment usage, safety protocols, and operational procedures to ensure smooth transitions.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Food Technology
Università Degli Studi Universitas Mercatorum
Italy04-2026
Upper Secondary School Diploma - Technician of the Confectionery Industry
Istituto Professionale Arte Bianca
Italy01.2015
Skills
- Mother Tongue: Italian
- Other Languages:
- - English: Excellent reading, good writing and speaking
- - French: Excellent reading, good writing and speaking
- - Spanish: Good reading, basic writing and speaking (currently studying)
- Relational Skills:
- - Strong teamwork attitude, leadership, and listening abilities
- Organizational Skills:
- - Excellent team and project management
- - Experience coordinating laboratory operations in both Italy and the USA
- Technical Skills:
- - Proficient in confectionery machinery (ovens, kneading machines, refiners)
- - Skilled in chemical and microbiological analysis tools
- - Good computer literacy (Microsoft Office Suite)
Certification
Driving License: Valid driver’s license (Italy and USA).
Consent
I hereby authorize the processing of my personal data pursuant to Legislative Decree 196/2003 and GDPR (EU Regulation 2016/679).
Timeline
Laboratory Operator
Ferrero North America – DTC CCC Biscuits & Wafers
03.2023 - Current
DTC Cookies and Wafers Laboratory Operator
Ferrero S.p.A.
12.2019 - 02.2023
Gummies and Candies Laboratory Operator
Ferrero S.p.A.
11.2018 - 12.2019
Line Operator
Ferrero S.p.A
08.2016 - 10.2018
Upper Secondary School Diploma - Technician of the Confectionery Industry
Istituto Professionale Arte Bianca
Bachelor’s Degree - Food Technology
Università Degli Studi Universitas Mercatorum