QiQi’s Journey

From QA Lab to Applications Leadership

QiQi’s career began after earning a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley and an M.S. in Food Science from Kansas State University. Her education gave her a deep understanding of the science behind dairy, from dairy ingredients to finished products.

Since joining Hilmar in 2010, QiQi has held roles in the QA lab for four years and spent eight years in cheese research & development before stepping into her current leadership position. QiQi describes her role in cheese R&D as a “cheese detective,” focusing on developing new products and improving existing ones through ingredient selection, process optimization and sensory testing. She also provided technical support by analyzing customer feedback and ensuring products meet quality and functionality standards to help customers succeed. The culmination of these experiences honed her analytical thinking, problem-solving skills and collaborative approach—qualities that define her success today.

Role & Impact

As applications manager, QiQi oversees a team that works closely with sales and marketing to address customer requests, support new product launches and troubleshoot technical challenges. They also work with R&D to test product functionality in a variety of applications and a variety of product attributes during the new product development process. Her team focuses on:

• Providing technical expertise for analytical and compositional concerns
• Improving product quality and functionality
• Creating on-trend food and beverage application concepts that showcase Hilmar’s whey protein ingredients
• Collaborating with customers to perfect their food and beverage formulations

“Our goal is simple,” QiQi says. “We are here to increase production yield and improve product qualities to help our customers succeed.”

Industry Trends

QiQi is particularly excited about hydrolyzed whey protein, a trending dairy ingredient that is gaining traction for its dual benefits:

• Nutritional advantages for health-conscious consumers, including a complete amino acid profile and superior digestibility
• Functional support for finished products, enhancing texture and performance

Consumers are showing increasing interest in the value of hydrolyzed whey proteins, particularly for their enhanced digestibility and absorption benefits. This aligns with the broader trend in sports nutrition and protein supplements that is shifting from simply increasing protein quantity to emphasizing protein quality.

Customer Value

QiQi and her team are problem-solvers at heart. By optimizing product functionality and improving quality, they help customers innovate and thrive in a competitive market. Their collaborative approach ensures that every solution is tailored to meet specific needs.

QiQi Peng’s dedication to advancing dairy science and supporting customer success reflects Hilmar’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. Her leadership ensures that Hilmar remains a trusted partner for customers seeking quality, functionality and forward-thinking solutions.