Klingenberg has some 30 years experience from the specialty coffee business. He was one of the co-founders of SCAE and the first European member of SCAA (1986).

He is to succeed Mick Wheeler of UK who retires after his term in office.

Vinko Sandalj of Sandalj Trading, Trieste, Italy was nominated as new vice president of SCAE.

Eric Lederer has transferred from the sensory department to the sales department as an associate account manager. Bryce Godsey has joined David Michael as an associate account manager.

STAMP, an intensive 12 to 16 month training program, covers all aspects of the food and beverage industry. The program also provides a thorough orientation of the David Michael organization, including its business philosophy and industry mission, commitment to quality, and the full range of customer service procedures that lead to on-going client satisfaction.

“This is huge,” exclaimed Seth Goldman, president & TeaEO of Honest Tea. “By adding the expertise of a founding father of the natural foods industry at the same time that we bring on a heavyweight from the beverage industry, we’re establishing our platform for growth as a natural and organic foods company ready to penetrate mainstream channels.”

Gary Hirshberg joined Stonyfield Farm within months of its founding in 1983 and has led the company through its 19 year rise to the top spot in the natural foods industry.

“Honest Tea not only meets consumers’ needs for delicious and real tea, but they understand the importance of offering the consumer values that are sought out by today’s consumers - values that we have been promoting for nearly two decades,” added Hirshberg.

Tim Tenney is the second-generation owner of Pepsi Cola of the Hudson Valley and Pepsi Cola of Bristol. “The shift to organic products is an exciting new development in the refreshment business. By increasing its distribution network, Honest Tea is stepping up to be a leader in a field with tremendous volume potential,” Tenney said.