From Raw Material to Retail Shelf

Quality Management for Food Businesses.

I support food companies in quality management across the entire supply chain, with a focus on organic certification, audits, supplier management, and IFS standards.

20+ Years

Experience in the Food Industry


1,000+ Organic Audits

Conducted as an Organic Inspector


100+ Supplier Audits

Nationally & Internationally


3 Languages

German, English & Spanish

My Services

Areas Where I Can Support You

Organic

From your first steps into organic certification to expanding your organic product range: team training, preparation for organic inspections, and expert guidance on all aspects of the EU Organic Regulation.

Audits

Internal audits with a targeted focus on IFS certification and organic inspections. Be confident and well-prepared for every audit.

Supplier

Supplier Management

Assessment, development, and ongoing support of your suppliers. International supplier audits, also conducted in English and Spanish.

IFS

Establishment and continuous improvement of your management system in accordance with IFS Broker and IFS Food standards. Streamlined, easy to understand, and practical for everyday operations.

HOW I WORK

On-Site and Online – Tailored to Your Needs

Training

In-house or online training tailored to your team. Practical knowledge that makes a lasting impact and can be applied in everyday operations.


Consulting

On-site at your company or online, whether for a single consultation or ongoing support.


QM-Documentation

From specifications to standard operating procedures, I create documents that your team can easily understand and use.


Hablo español.

International Supplier Audits

I conduct supplier audits internationally in English and Spanish, as well as German, which is also my native language.

About Me 

Tamara Carstensen

Quality Manager and Consultant for the Food Industry

I have experienced both sides of the audit table.

As an inspector, I have audited manufacturers, retailers, and importers. In my own company roles, as a team leader and quality manager, I have also been on the receiving end of audits, both for organic certification and IFS standards. This means I understand the day-to-day realities of food businesses just as well as the auditors' perspective.

I bring both perspectives into my consulting work.

From the Field

Examples of My Work

Manufacturers & Retailers

Initial Organic Certification

Prepared and supported numerous clients through their initial organic certification. Trained employees, developed documentation and organic risk management systems, and provided on-site support during the initial inspection.

Successful Market Entry

Confectionery Manufacturer

Integrating an Organic Product Line into Existing Production

Implemented retailer audit requirements, developed an organic risk management system in accordance with the EU Organic Regulation, trained the team, and prepared approximately 35 organic ingredient specifications.

Successful Listing with Organic Retailers

Importer

Supplier Audits Worldwide

Audits bei Lieferanten vor Ort, auf Englisch und in Südamerika auf Spanisch. Lieferanten qualifiziert und an die Anforderungen des Kunden herangeführt.

Raw Materials Meeting German Market Quality Standards

Trading Company

Building an IFS Broker System from Scratch

Independently developed, implemented, and continuously managed the entire IFS Broker quality management system.

Consistently Achieving Higher Level Since Initial Certification

Frequently Asked Questions

Good to Know

How does working together work?

We start with a free initial consultation to discuss your needs and the scope of the project. We only move forward once you are happy with the proposed approach.

That depends on the scope of the work. You will receive a transparent quote in advance, either based on the time required or at a fixed price for a clearly defined project.

Yes. Whether you need an internal audit, a training session, or advice on a specific issue, you only pay for the support you need. I also work with companies on a long-term basis.

Absolutely. Small businesses rarely have their own quality management department. Targeted external support gives them access to expert knowledge exactly when they need it, without having to hire a dedicated employee.

No, I work throughout Germany and internationally. I conduct supplier audits worldwide and support companies from abroad in entering the German market, in English or Spanish.

That depends on the project. In urgent situations, such as an upcoming audit, I can often provide support within just a few days.

Confidentiality is a matter of course. If requested, I am happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before the project begins.

The process from initial training to the first organic inspection typically takes several weeks, depending on your product range and level of preparation.

Didn't Find Your Answer?

Contact

Let's Discuss Your Project

Whether you're preparing for an upcoming audit, getting started with organic certification, working with an international supplier, or have a specific quality management question, we can discuss how I can support you during a free initial consultation.

Contact

tamara@carstensen-foodconsulting.com

+49 151 56132361

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