Farmer Brothers Hires Experienced CFO Fisher
Farmer Brothers, a leading roaster, wholesaler and distributor of coffee, tea and allied products, has appointed Vance Fisher as chief financial officer. Brad Bollner, who has served as the company’s interim CFO since August 2023, will remain with the company as its vice president of finance.
“Vance is an experienced CFO with a proven track record of helping organizations grow revenue and EBITDA,” said Chief Executive Officer John Moore. “We are excited to have him join our leadership team as we continue to unlock the full potential of our direct store delivery (DSD) network and drive strategic, long-term growth. We are also especially appreciative of Brad’s diligence and contributions throughout our recent transition.”
Fisher, who has more than 25 years of financial leadership experience, most recently served as CFO of Nothing Bundt Cakes, where he helped triple the company’s EBITDA in as many years. He has also previously served as CFO of Dunn’s River Brands, a DSD food and beverage company, and Daisy Brand, where he helped drive revenue and profitability growth by four-fold during his nine-year tenure.
Fisher holds bachelor’s degrees in both accounting and finance from the University of Oklahoma.
“Farmer Brothers has long been regarded as an industry leader and expert in coffee and I am excited to be joining the company at such a pivotal time as it refocuses on its DSD business,” said Fisher. “I look forward to working with John and team to build on recent success as the company focuses on further improving our cost structure, generating revenue and driving top line growth.”
For more news of interest to the food and beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Bridgetown Mushrooms, RPG Coffee Launch Kind Coffee Cooperative
Bridgetown Mushrooms, renowned for its commitment to organic farming and sustainable practices, is partnering with RPG Coffee in launching the innovative Kind Coffee Cooperative. This unique collaboration, which also includes the involvement of the nonprofit kindness.org, brings to the market a coffee blend designed to support global kindness initiatives and research and promote well-being and environmental sustainability.
Kind Coffee Cooperative will introduce its on-the-go, mushroom-and-aloe-infused coffee for the first time to attendees of Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette, La., April 24-28.
The cooperative is a fusion of exceptional coffee craftsmanship and the healing power of nature, featuring RPG Coffee’s expertise in coffee blending, Bridgetown Mushrooms’ organic lion’s mane mushrooms, and the benefits of aloe. A portion of the proceeds from every sale will be donated to kindness.org to support research into the science of kindness, reflecting our collective dedication to making a positive impact on humanity.
Chris Capozzoli, CEO of RPG Coffee, shared his perspective: “Our collaboration with Bridgetown Mushrooms, incorporating their lion’s mane mushrooms into our coffee and structured aloe is more than just innovative—it’s transformative. The result is a coffee with a truly unique and delicious flavor profile that yields myriad health benefits. There’s nothing else quite like it.”
Rana DiOrio, chief product officer of Bridgetown Mushrooms, expressed excitement about the launch: “We are thrilled to launch our latest product at Festival International de Louisiane, an event that not only celebrates the vibrant spirit and power of global music but also embodies the very essence of community and kindness. This launch represents our commitment to fostering a healthier and kinder world, and we can’t wait to share it with you at Festival.”
Jaclyn Lindsey, CEO of Kindness.org, also shared her enthusiasm: “We are deeply honored to be a part of this initiative with RPG Coffee and Bridgetown Mushrooms. The Kind Coffee Co-Op is more than a beverage; it’s an embodiment of a shared commitment to fostering kindness and well-being across the globe. Each purchase contributes to our efforts to spread kindness through research and programs worldwide.”
For those looking to indulge in a unique coffee experience while contributing to a kinder world, pre-orders for Kind Coffee Cooperative™ are now available at www.choosekindcoffee.com. Enter the code FESTIVAL at checkout to receive 20% off your purchase through May 31.
Bridgetown Mushrooms is a leading producer of gourmet and functional mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest. The company cultivates an array of high-quality organic mushrooms, catering to both commercial enterprises and individual consumers. In addition to diverse mushroom offerings, they develop and distribute mushroom-based products throughout the nation. Bridgetown also provides a comprehensive range of mycology supplies, supporting the expanding needs of commercial mushroom farmers across the United States.
Real People Giving (RPG) Coffee is a distinguished, veteran-owned and operated enterprise that is making waves in the wellness industry. Specializing in the development of whole food ingredients-based supplements and exceptional coffee, RPG Coffee exemplifies a deep-rooted commitment to giving back. RPG generously allocates a portion of its profits to support nonprofits that resonate with its mission of promoting positive impact and community upliftment.
Kindness.org is a non-profit fueled by the belief that kindness is humanity’s greatest asset. Grounded in leading-edge research, kindness.org uses science to create solutions that help people everywhere build a kinder world.
For more news of interest to the food and beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Dunkin’, Danone Team Up for Brownie Batter Creamer
Bring on the spoon-licking brownie batter bliss! When it comes to decadent, chocolatey flavor, Dunkin’ knows that too much is never enough. After successfully launching the Brownie Batter Signature Latte in Dunkin’ restaurants in February 2023, and following the popularity of the Brownie Batter Donut, new limited-edition Dunkin’ Brownie Batter Creamer allows consumers to mix up a batch of delightful brownie batter flavor in their coffee cup.
Dunkin’ Brownie Batter Creamer is the newest seasonal flavor in the brand’s portfolio of at-home coffee creamers, bringing nostalgic sweetness to your coffee experience. Made with real cream and real sugar, the rich, fudgy Dunkin’ Brownie Batter Creamer is truly a chocolate-lover’s dream.
“As a leader in the coffee creamer category, Danone North America continues to introduce innovative creamer flavors that elevate consumers’ coffee routines,” said Kallie Goodwin, vice president of marketing, coffee creamers for Danone North America.
“The Brownie Batter Signature Latte was a hit in Dunkin’ restaurants last year, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this delicious offering to the at-home coffee experience,” said Brian Gilbert, vice president, retail business development for Dunkin’. “While it’s a limited-time offering, there’s plenty of Dunkin’ Brownie Batter Creamer to go around – so don’t worry, there’s no need to fight for the last lick of brownie batter like we’ve all done when baking with family and friends.”
Dunkin’ and Danone are continuously delivering flavors that add a tasty boost into your morning brew at home. Looking to run on your favorite Dunkin’ flavors year-round? Fans can enjoy Dunkin’ Salted Caramel Creamer, extra creamy & extra sweet Dunkin’ Extra Extra Creamer and Dunkin’ French Vanilla Creamer, available at retailers nationwide.
To stay in the know on the latest and greatest flavor-forward news, head over to the Dunkin’ Creamer website or follow the brand on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Dunkin’, founded in 1950, is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the United States, with more than 13,200 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets. Dunkin’ is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. For more information, visit DunkinDonuts.com and InspireBrands.com.
Danone North America is a purpose-driven company and an industry leader in the food and beverage category. As a Certified B Corporation, Danone North America is committed to the creation of both economic and social value, while nurturing natural ecosystems through sustainable agriculture. Our strong portfolio of brands includes: Activia, DanActive, Danimals, Dannon, evian, Follow Your Heart, Happy Family Organics, Horizon Organic, International Delight, Light + Fit®, Oikos, Silk, So Delicious Dairy Free, STōK, Two Good, Wallaby Organic and YoCrunch. With more than 6,000 employees and 16 production locations across the U.S. and Canada, Danone North America’s mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible. For more information, visit www.danonenorthamerica.com/. For more information on Danone North America’s B Corp™ status, visit: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/danone-north-america.
For more news of interest to the foodservice industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
