The NuZee Story
NuZee was started after the devastating tsunami that hit Japan in March 2011. At the time, our mission was to provide pure, safe bottled drinking water from New Zealand (hence our name) to help in the recovery effort. What began as a humanitarian effort led to the establishment and launch of NuZee products worldwide. We have since evolved to become one of the premier coffee co-packing companies in the world where we partner with companies of all sizes to help them develop within the single serve and private label coffee category.
Our Story
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Our Commitment to Sustainability
As a company we have never forgotten our origin and strive to operate our business in the most sustainable ways possible. We believe single serve coffee is helping the coffee drinker do their part in responsible consumption. Brewing one cup at a time ensures fresh coffee and brewing only what you need. Why waste a pot when you can make a cup? We adhere to the following principles:
We create pristine products using only the cleanest, most natural, and healthy ingredients.
We use fully compostable Tea Bag filters along with recyclable foil wrappers and boxes.
We innovate within our production facilities through the use of renewable energy.
NuZee Certifications
NuZee is committed to providing coffee co-packing services that align to our environmentally friendly sustainability initiatives and meet the highest standards of food safety. Our efforts have been recognized with the following certifications:
The NuZee Leadership Team
Our team of diverse partners draws on a deep understanding of both the coffee and co-packing industries.
Masa Higahida
CEO & PRESIDENT
Mr. Higashida has served as the Chief Executive Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Company since October 2014, and as Chairman of the Board since April 2013. He previously also held the position of President of the Company from October 2014 until August 2017, and CFO from August 2014 until February 2019. Mr. Higashida previously founded multiple companies, including a Korea-based financial company and a Singapore-based investment company, and began his career in the financial industry in Nagoya, Japan.
Patrick Shearer
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Mr. Shearer brings to NuZee over 25 years of experience in accounting, finance, transactions, and management in a variety of industries including food and beverage. Mr. Shearer served as a Partner in the Risk and Financial Advisory Services practice of Deloitte where his primary focus areas included accounting advisory, finance, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and capital markets. Mr.Shearer has significant international experience having lived and worked in Japan and having completed numerous cross-border projects primarily involving companies based in North America, Asia, and Europe. Mr.Shearer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of California.
Tomoko Toyota
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Tomoko Toyota was named Chief Marketing Officer of NuZee Inc. in May 2021. Ms. Toyota brings to NuZee over two decades of marketing leadership experience developing global brand and business strategies, with more than 10 years in the coffee industry leading market expansion of specialty coffee products, including single serve pour over coffee. During her 13-year tenure at the Starbucks® Coffee Company between 2005 and 2018, Ms. Toyota held several senior level marketing and business management positions for the US market as well as international markets. She holds a BA in Political Science from Keio University in Tokyo, Japan.
Jose Ramirez
CHIEF SALES OFFICER & CHIEF SUPPLY CHAIN OFFICER
Jose Ramirez joined NuZee Inc. in May 2021. Mr. Ramirez started with Farmer Brothers as the Director of Coffee and has held many notable positions throughout the organization. Most recently, as the Vice President of Coffee Strategy and Sustainability for Farmer Brothers, he was responsible for green coffee management, customer and vendor partnerships, and company sustainability initiatives. Mr. Ramirez has been very active in the coffee community, serving on several boards including World Coffee Research.
Travis Gorney
CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER & VP SALES
Mr. Gorney was named Chief Innovation Officer and VP of Sales in 2021. Gorney joined the company in 2013 and led various functions such as sales, supply chain management and marketing. Prior to joining NuZee, he was the CEO of Left Coast Threads, Inc., a company that operates retail clothing stores. He was also the President and CEO of Point Blank Beverage, Inc. a premium energy drink company by the name of Torque. He began his career in the beverage industry as national sales manager for a start-up independent energy beverage company.