Jeff Varcoe

Jeff Varcoe, PhD, currently serves as Senior Vice President, Science and Technical Excellence. In this role, Jeff serves as the Company’s leader of Science and Technical Excellence, ensuring operational excellence across all technical disciplines that underpin product integrity, compliance, and innovation.

Jeff brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the food industry across the areas of quality assurance, research and development, and operations. He has established a track record of inspiring high functioning teams through cultivating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement to ensure operational excellence.

Professional Highlights 

Prior to taking on his current role, Jeff served as Vice President of Quality Assurance and Food Safety at Smucker. In this role, he led a comprehensive food safety and quality vision, ensuring the Company continued to deliver on its commitment to consumers.

Before joining Smucker, Jeff spent 21 years at The Schwan Food Company. While at Schwan, Jeff held leadership roles of increasing responsibility including Vice President Food Safety and Quality, Vice President of Manufacturing Technical Services, Director of Research and Development, Director of Food Safety and Microbiology, and Manager of Food Safety.

Industry Leadership

Outside of his role at Smucker, Jeff has held a variety of leadership positions in support of the broader industry. He currently serves as President- Elect Designate of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), an organization that represents the global food community and champions science, technology, and research to address the world's greatest food challenges. Jeff  also served previously as Chair of the Board for the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI).  He has also been an active member in several other food law and regulatory advisory organizations. 

Community Leadership 

Along with the time he devotes to his profession and industry, Jeff is also active in the community, including having served as director of the Canby Blue & Gold Foundation, supporting students at Canby High School in Minnesota.

Educational Background 

Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Minnesota State University, a master’s degree in biology from Southwest Minnesota State University – Mankato, and a PhD in Food Science from the University of Minnesota.