The former Nestlé Director of Coffee will assume responsibility for Farmer Bros’ green coffee procurement, research and development and roasting operations
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Matthew Swenson (pictured) previously served as Director of Coffee at Swiss food and beverage giant Nestlé
Texas-based Farmer Bros has appointed former Nestlé executive Matthew Swenson as Vice President of Coffee Operations.
Swenson served as Director of Coffee at Swiss food and beverage giant Nestlé between September 2020 and February 2024 and previously held Head of Coffee and Chief Product Officer roles at Chameleon Cold Brew – which Nestlé acquired in November 2017 and sold to SYSTM Foods in June 2022.
In a press release, Farmer Bros said Swenson will be responsible for the company’s green coffee procurement, research and development, coffee quality, roasting, manufacturing and sustainability initiatives.
“Farmer Bros has long been known for its quality coffee and products and outstanding customer service. I look forward to unlocking the full potential of our direct-store-delivery (DSD) network as we meet the needs of our customers today, with an eye on tomorrow,” Swenson said.
Through its DSD business, Farmer Bros sells coffee, tea, spices and breakfast products through a network of 80 independent branches and five distribution centres, reaching 45,000 delivery points annually. The company’s primary brands include Farmer Brothers, Boyd’s, Cain’s, China Mist and West Coast Coffee.
The Vice President of Coffee Operations role was previously held by John Moore, who was promoted to Farmer Bros CEO in February 2024 following a five-month interim period.
“Matt is highly regarded across the coffee industry for his vast knowledge and expertise. He also has a long track record of success in developing systems and growing revenue for organisations throughout the coffee and beverage sector. We are incredibly excited to have him join our leadership team at this pivotal moment as Farmer Bros focuses solely on our DSD business,” Moore said.
Swenson also sits on the Board of Trustees for the Coffee Quality Institute and previously served on the Cold Brew Technical Committee for the scientific advisory group at the National Coffee Association.