Meet the Newest Addition to Our Team!

This week we’re putting the spotlight on the newest addition to our team, sensory scientist Annette Hottenstein.

Annette Hottenstein, Sensory Scientist

Q: Tell us about yourself.

A: I was born and raised in Allentown, PA (the one made infamous from the Billy Joel song) but have also lived in Texas, Kansas, and New York State. I have a BS in Nutrition from The Pennsylvania State University and an MS in Food Science from Texas A&M University. I have been working in sensory science for over 20 years for food and ingredient manufacturers and in private consulting. I am also a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). For hobbies, I enjoy hiking, traveling (been to 15 countries so far), cooking, and playing classical piano. I live in Sparks, MD with my husband, two children (ages 13 & 15) and two adorable kitty cats.

A fun fact about myself: I am a Scoutmaster for a local Scouts BSA (what the Boy Scouts call themselves since they’ve become co-ed) troop so I am especially skilled at tying knots, setting up tents, and Dutch oven cooking.

Q: What is your favorite part of your role here at Fuchs so far?

A: I am really enjoying the culture that comes with a smaller company. Everything is super accessible, and all my co-workers have been so friendly and helpful. I like that R&D works so closely with operations, sales, and marketing.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your role here?

A: Sensory science is a new tool for Fuchs, and I’m looking forward to growing the program into a key competency for the company. I enjoy working closely with customers and am excited to see how sensory can help grow the business.

Q: What food trends are you most excited about in 2021?

A: 2020 was a year of many challenges but it also brought a renewed interest in home cooking. I think trends such a home baked breads and more family dinners at home will continue. I am also excited about the new breed of direct-to-consumer spice companies such as Burlap and Barrel which are raising consumer awareness about the nuances of single origin spices.

Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: That’s hard to say since I adore many good eats, but I can say that I am an extreme chocoholic! I am also fond of all types of Asian food, especially Indian (the spicier the better). I love to cook and try out new recipes and kitchen gadgets: my current favorite is my new air fryer.

Q: Is there anything else you would like our customers and fellow employees to know about you?

A: I love to learn about new ways of doing things and embrace change and process improvements. I’m excited to keep up with the newest sensory testing trends for Fuchs!

Learn more about our R&D team here.