Former Coca-Cola and Molson Coors Executive Joins Teeccino as Co-CEO

Torsten Kuenzlen partners with Teeccino founder, Caroline MacDougall, to manage growth & profitability

Santa Barbara, CA (September 5, 2024) Teeccino, the best-selling coffee alternative brand known for its bold-tasting roasted herbal coffees and teas, has expanded its leadership team with the addition of Torsten Kuenzlen as Co-CEO with the Company founder, Caroline MacDougall.

Kuenzlen is a seasoned CPG executive in the beverage category. For 17 years at Coca-Cola, he held various positions including President/General Manager of the Indonesia Region, Vice President/General Manager of Northern Africa and multiple global operations and marketing positions. Subsequently during his five-year tenure at Molson Coors, he became their Global Chief Commercial Officer responsible for consumer and customer excellence. Kuenzlen also gained entrepreneurial experience during his role as CEO of a start-up Canadian cannabis company, Sundial Cannabis, which grew rapidly from inception to achieving a unicorn IPO under his leadership. 

Teeccino’s performance in the coffee alternative category attracted Kuenzlen’s attention in 2022 when he met MacDougall after relocating to Central California to manage a group of companies. He became the lead investor in Teeccino’s successful crowdfunding campaign on the WeFunder platform in February of 2023 and subsequently joined Teeccino’s Board of Directors. In that capacity, he has been an extremely valuable mentor to MacDougall and the Teeccino executive team.

Keunzlen will manage the Company’s operations, finance and sales allowing MacDougall to focus on marketing, innovation, and sustainability. MacDougall’s 50-year career as an entrepreneur in the herbal beverage category began in the 70’s as Vice President of Celestial Seasonings in charge of global purchasing of botanicals. Her expertise in sourcing herbs in developing countries coupled with her product development success designing award-winning teas for Yogi Tea, The Republic of Tea, and Organic India helped her give birth to Teeccino in 1994. Over the last 30 years, Teeccino has grown to be the top selling caffeine-free coffee alternative in North America.

“I’m thrilled to have Torsten join me as Co-CEO. We have had the opportunity to get to know each other’s working styles over the last year and develop a true appreciation for each other’s strengths,” MacDougall explained. “He has already had a hugely positive impact on the Company, our growth trajectory and our bottom line. The Company has doubled its size over the last few years. It can benefit greatly from the management skills Torsten specializes in while it retains my expertise in botanicals, product development and consumer marketing as the voice of the brand. I couldn’t be more excited about what Teeccino’s future holds under our combined leadership!”

“After becoming the lead investor and subsequently joining Teeccino’s Board, the enormous opportunity for the Company became increasingly obvious. The Company has done a wonderful job building a great brand and business. Working with Caroline and her great team at Teeccino is an exciting opportunity. I hope the contribution of my beverage and entrepreneurial experience will help Teeccino continue to grow and scale in current and adjacent markets nationally and internationally.”

With over 40 blends featuring unique and functional ingredients, Teeccino has delivered over 20 million cups in the last year after doubling its revenue in the past 3 years. The Company’s mission is to provide its customers with products that produce optimal health for both people and the planet. Organic and sustainable values have guided every corporate decision since the Company was founded by MacDougall. 

The Company manufactures its herbal coffees and teas in its own manufacturing plant in Oxnard, CA. With an omni-channel distribution model, Teeccino is price competitive with specialty coffee while many newer entries in the coffee alternative space are built on super premium price point that has not proven to be sustainable in the retail channel. Teeccino’s products can be found in both the coffee and tea set where they appeal to both coffee and tea drinkers alike.

# # #

About TeeccinoCaroline MacDougall launched Teeccino at Expo West in 1995 to satisfy both coffee and tea drinkers alike with its rich, bold, full-bodied flavor and its many health benefits. Nationally distributed in specialty grocery chains like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Wegmans, as well as etailers like Amazon, iHerb, and Vitacost, Teeccino blends are the #1 caffeine-free coffee alternatives in the coffee set and the premier line of roasted herbal teas in the tea set. Unique among all teas and coffees, people often ask, is Teeccino coffee or is it tea? The answer is simple, it’s Teeccino! For more information visit teeccino.com