Kurt Schneider, CFS
Food + Nutrition Contract Manufacturing Consulting
Kurt Schneider, CFS
Kurt Schneider is a Certified Food Scientist (CFS) with over 30 years of experience in contract manufacturing consulting for the human and animal food, feed, supplement, and nutraceutical industries. Kurt has expertise in Leadership and Management, Sales and Marketing, Product/Process Engineering, Quality Assurance, Regulatory, Research & Development and Contract Manufacturing/Co-Packing throughout the United States and abroad. His experience with product/process development and project management has led to many successful product launches that reflect his dynamic, energetic style of leadership.
Kurt’s consulting firm helps small and start-up companies get their products from benchtop prototypes to finished, ready-for-sale, products. He consults with these businesses in the areas of Product Development, Quality/Regulatory, Scale-Up, Tech-Transfer and Contract Manufacturing. Kurt focuses on the intersection of the technical and business communities. His work with small company start-ups and entrepreneurs with new product ideas has led to numerous product launch successes. Kurt’s style is one of open, collaborative communication, reaching out to all sides of the table to ensure not only do challenging issues get resolution, but that the brand owner’s best interests have been adequately represented throughout the entire process.
30+ Years of Food, Feed, Supplement + Nutraceutical Experience
Kurt’s areas of expertise include Research & Development, Engineering R&D, new product introductions, cereal processing, spray drying, dehydration, agglomeration/granulation, batch fluid bed processing, bulk powder processing, liquid processing, product improvements, process engineering/development, pilot plant, manufacturing, contract manufacturing, product development process, QA/QC and regulatory in the food, nutritional, nutraceutical and dietary supplement industries.
Kurt has been a member of IFT since 1986 when he entered the food industry as a Research Engineer with General Mills. From 1997 to 2009 Kurt was a member of the Southern California Institute of Food Technologists (SCIFTS) serving as a Counselor and being named Chair Elect for the 2010-2011 SCIFTS year. Kurt is also a member of the inaugural class of Certified Food Scientists, earning his certification in 2013. Now back in Minnesota, Kurt is involved with the Minnesota Section of IFT, as well as a contributing member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE) and the Research Chefs Association (RCA).
In his spare time, besides keeping busy with his family and dogs, Kurt is a member of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) and can be frequently seen riding the latest scream machines all across the country.
Education + Certifications
Certified Food Scientist, Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), 2013
Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, (1982 – 1986)
SPC, SQF, HACCP, and Product Development Stage-Gate Process
