Drytech is strengthening its product development efforts and welcomes Elisa as its new product development manager. With a background in food science, clinical nutrition, and sports nutrition, she will help develop new products and improve existing meals in the REAL Turmat line.
For Elisa, good hiking food is about giving the body what it needs, without compromising on taste, quality, or convenience.
From Italy to Tromsø
Elisa is from Italy and has for long had a strong interest in food, nutrition, and outdoor activities. She has studied food science and clinical nutrition and also holds a master’s degree in sports nutrition. Before joining Drytech, she worked as a food service manager at a school in the City of Oslo and as a clinical nutritionist in Italy, among other roles.
When the opportunity at Drytech arose, it was a good fit for both her professional background and her interests.
– It was the combination of food, nutrition, and the outdoors that made the position so exciting. “I was already familiar with REAL Turmat, and when I saw that Drytech was looking for expertise in nutrition and food science, I thought this was an opportunity to work on something that combines both my professional background and my personal interests,” says Elisa.
Hiking Food That Works Outdoors
As product development manager, Elisa will work closely on flavor, quality, nutritional content, and practical use. The goal is to develop meals that work well in various outdoor conditions, while also tasting good and providing enough energy for hikes.
For her, good freeze-dried hiking food is characterized by several things: It should be easy to carry, simple to prepare, have a long shelf life, and provide the body with the nutrition it needs. At the same time, the meal must be something you actually look forward to eating.
– Taste is important because customers should want to buy the product again and look forward to their meal. Nutrition is also important for providing enough energy and nutrients while on a trip.
Firsthand hiking experience leads to better products
Elisa herself spends a lot of her free time outdoors. She enjoys hiking, trail running, camping, and rock climbing, and often eats trail food on her own trips. This gives her a practical understanding of what customers need when they’re out in nature for extended periods of time.
She knows how important it is for food to be reliable, simple, and nutritious when the body needs to refuel. On long days in the mountains, a good meal can make a big difference in terms of energy, mood, and the overall experience.
“I understand how important it is to have enough energy to perform well and have great experiences out in nature,” says Elisa.
New Flavors and Changing Needs
Looking ahead, Elisa sees great opportunities for the further development of the REAL products. She highlights new flavors in the REAL Turmat line, products tailored to different nutritional needs, and options for vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly diets.
Food Studies, Outdoor Life, and Quality
The role of product development manager requires collaboration across multiple departments. Elisa will work closely with purchasing, marketing, production, and suppliers, among others, to develop products that customers value.
For Elisa, it is precisely this combination that makes the job rewarding.
– I’m looking forward to working at Drytech because it’s a stimulating and motivating work environment. Here, I can use my expertise to develop products that meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, while combining my passion for the outdoors with my education in nutrition and food science.