About Services Projects FAQ Reviews العربية Book Consultation
About

The Consultant
Behind the Science

First Lebanese Certified Food Scientist. MS Food Technology, AUB. 25+ years transforming food businesses across the MENA region.

Samer Harb — Food Consultant
Samer Harb
Strategic Food Industry Consultant · Certified Food Scientist
Background

Building Food Businesses
That Last

I hold a Master of Science in Food Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics — both from the American University of Beirut. In 2019, I became the first Lebanese Certified Food Scientist (CFS), a designation awarded by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).

Over more than 25 years, I've worked with food manufacturers, distributors, startups, and government-linked organizations across Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, the USA, and Canada. My work spans the full food business lifecycle — from concept and product formulation to ISO certification, supply chain, and ERP implementation.

I'm also a Certified ISO 22000:2018 Lead Auditor accredited by IRCA in the UK, a member of IFT, CIFST, and LAFST, and an active AUB Alumni member. I've been featured on MTV Lebanon, Future TV, Radio Chin Canada, Annahar newspaper, and the Al-Dustoor Egyptian newspaper.

My goal is simple: to bring scientific rigor and practical strategy to every food business I work with — whether that's a startup trying to launch a product or a large manufacturer seeking compliance.

Certifications & Memberships
Certified Food Scientist (CFS) IFT — Institute of Food Technologists CIFST — Canadian Institute of Food Science & Technology AUB Alumni LAFST
0+
Years of Experience
0
Countries Served
0
Service Areas
0
First Lebanese CFS
What I Do

Eight Areas of Expertise

01

Food Projects Consultation

End-to-end guidance for new food facilities: site planning, ISO 22000:2018 compliance, workflow engineering, machinery selection, and HACCP system design. I've helped factories in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt meet international safety standards.

02

Shelf Life & Quality Control

Scientific analysis and strategic extension of product shelf life. From identifying spoilage mechanisms to recommending preservation technologies and packaging solutions that maintain product quality without sacrificing safety.

03

Nutritional Facts & Labeling

Accurate nutritional calculations for food products targeting MENA and international markets. Full regulatory compliance documentation including Lebanese, Gulf, Egyptian, and North American (FDA/Health Canada) labeling requirements.

04

Management Consulting

Organizational structure redesign for food companies. Leadership optimization, team restructuring, and operational efficiency improvements tailored to the unique dynamics of the food industry in the MENA region.

05

Supply Chain Consulting

End-to-end process improvement across procurement, logistics, cold chain management, and distribution. I help food businesses identify inefficiencies, reduce costs, and build resilient supply chains across borders.

06

Digital Transformation / ERP

Technology roadmapping and ERP implementation guidance for food businesses transitioning to digital workflows. From inventory management to production scheduling, I help companies select and deploy the right tools.

07

Risk Management

Systematic identification and mitigation of business, regulatory, and food safety risks. Risk assessments, contingency planning, and crisis response frameworks designed for the complexities of the food industry.

08

Product Development

From concept to certified launch — formulation, processing line design, pilot testing, sensory evaluation, regulatory submission, and commercial scale-up. Helping brands bring innovative food products to market.

How I Work

A Systematic Approach

Step 01

Discovery & Diagnosis

I begin by thoroughly understanding your business: your products, processes, regulatory environment, and specific challenges. Every engagement starts with listening — not assumptions.

Step 02

Scientific Analysis

Drawing on food science, nutrition, and industry standards, I analyze your current situation against international benchmarks. This is where data meets decades of real-world experience.

Step 03

Strategy & Recommendations

I deliver clear, actionable recommendations — not generic reports. Everything is tailored to your budget, timeline, and market context, with priority given to highest-impact interventions.

Step 04

Implementation Support

I stay involved through implementation — available for follow-up sessions, on-site visits, and ongoing guidance until the results are realized and the team is confident moving forward.

Credentials

Education & Certifications

1995 — AUB

BS, Nutrition & Dietetics

American University of Beirut (AUB), Faculty of Agricultural & Food Sciences. Foundation in nutrition science, dietetics, and food safety.

1997 — AUB

MS, Food Technology

American University of Beirut (AUB). Specialized in food processing, quality systems, product development, and applied food science for the MENA context.

2019 — IFT / IRCA-UK

Certified Food Scientist (CFS) & ISO Lead Auditor

First Lebanese to earn the CFS designation from the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). Also certified as an ISO 22000:2018 Lead Auditor by IRCA, UK — the international standard for food safety management.

Ready to Work Together?

Tell me about your food business challenge and let's build the solution together.

Book a Consultation ↗