Chris Cornyn

Chris Cornyn is a Professor at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), where he has been a core faculty member since the inception of the master’s in Food Business program. He specializes in teaching Sales, Marketing, and Distribution, emphasizing the complexities of launching food products and navigating the food industry ecosystem. His academic role is complemented by extensive industry experience, including leadership roles at SpoonfulOne (Chief Innovation Officer/CEO), Revolution Foods (Chief Innovation Officer), and Nalu Bio (Chief Business Officer).

Chris’ research interests focus on innovation in food systems, sustainable practices, and the intersection of entrepreneurship with food product development. He advocates for transformative approaches to address global food challenges such as sustainability, nutrition, and scalable solutions for feeding populations while preserving ecological balance. His work on product launches, supply chain optimization, and IP/patent strategies has contributed to over 50 food brand launches and $120M in raised capital for SpoonfulOne.

A frequent speaker at events like Food Vision and Fancy Food Show, Chris also contributes to industry publications and served as a judge on Lifetime’s Supermarket Superstar. His courses integrate real-world case studies and guest lectures from successful (and failed) entrepreneurs to equip students with practical resilience and strategic insight.

Chris’ academic contributions include co-developing the CIA Food Business curriculum, emphasizing hands-on learning through initiatives like the Innovation Intensive: From Concept to Shelf workshop. His mentorship extends beyond the classroom, with ongoing engagement with alumni and industry networks.