American Natural Processors

American Natural Processors (ANP) is a family-owned contract manufacturer and organic processor headquartered in Sioux City, Iowa, founded in 2000 by Mark and Julie Schuett. With roots in sustainable family farming spanning over 20 years in Northwest Iowa, the company was established to address the evolving needs of small-scale organic agriculture and specialty food production. ANP operates a 400,000 sq. ft. flagship facility near Interstate 29 in Sioux City, supplemented by additional processing sites, and serves food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and agricultural producers across the specialty and natural food marketplace.

The company specializes in certified organic plant protein and oil processing, offering a comprehensive suite of capabilities built around custom-designed expeller press plants and RBD (Refined, Bleached, Deodorized) refineries. Its oil extraction expertise encompasses a wide range of oilseeds and specialty crops including soy, canola, sunflower, safflower, flax, hemp, chia, corn, organic soy lecithin, almond, and algae. All extraction processes are chemical-free, utilizing mechanical pressing to preserve the nutritional integrity of the oils.

ANP's cold press line is engineered to retain natural antioxidants and healthy nutrients by keeping temperatures below 140°F during extraction, producing premium cold-pressed oils suitable for health-conscious and specialty food markets. For applications requiring higher stability — such as cooking oils — the company operates small-batch certified organic RBD refineries custom-built to maximize quality and optimize yields across a broad range of oil types.

Beyond oil processing, American Natural Processors operates a state-of-the-art protein powder milling line that transforms defatted oilseeds into concentrated protein ingredients milled to precise particle sizes. High-oil-content products can be milled to 75 microns (200 mesh), while low-oil-content products achieve fineness down to 10 microns (1,250 mesh). These protein ingredients are formulated for use in bars, cereals, snacks, and beverages, making ANP a versatile ingredient supplier to CPG brands.

The company also offers sterilization and pasteurization services through its Ready-To-Eat (RTE) processing facility, featuring a third-party validated kill step that meets Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards for pathogen control. This process is specifically designed for low-moisture foods and powders and is conducted immediately prior to packaging to eliminate downstream contamination risk. On-site food safety experts assist customers in navigating evolving regulatory requirements.

ANP's packaging capabilities accommodate a wide range of formats — from bulk to small consumer packages — across both oil and protein product lines, with flexibility for short lead times and custom packaging needs. Warehousing services are managed through a secure, inventory-tracked system that provides clients with monthly reporting and precise product location data.

A defining characteristic of American Natural Processors is its commitment to flexibility and innovation as a family-owned business. The company serves a diverse range of partnership models, from strict toll processing arrangements to product-specific exclusive agreements, allowing it to meet customer requirements regardless of production run size or complexity. ANP continues to develop novel processing methods for niche and emerging specialty food markets, positioning itself as an industry leader in organic and natural ingredient processing.