Harris Tea Company

Meet Christian Weber, Sr. Director of Contract Manufacturing for the Treehouse Foods Harris Tea division. His expertise comes from 20+ years in the tea industry, much of that with Sales, R&D and tea sourcing responsibilities. He travels extensively to ensure our supply chain, manufacturing and packaging programs run smoothly and guarantee satisfied customers. Fluent in German, born in Nigeria, he now calls Atlanta home with his wife and fluctuating quantity of foster dogs.

Do you know how to consistently deliver the perfect level of sweetness in your fresh brewed iced tea? This quick guide breaks down what Brix is, why it matters, and how to measure it—ensuring every batch you serve hits the mark for quality and consistency.   Whether you’re fine-tuning a recipe or training your team, this is your go-to tool for getting it just right. 📥 Download the PDF to learn all about it  https://lnkd.in/gAfCtMAp

How sweet is your tea, really? Understanding Brix – the measure of sugar content – is key to delivering a consistent beverage experience your customers will love. From selecting the right refractometer to hitting that 12° Brix “sweet spot,” this guide breaks it all down. At Harris Tea, we believe every sip should hit the mark. Download the full guide here:  https://lnkd.in/gAfCtMAp

With over three decades of experience in the coffee industry, Nick Ditcheos brings a seasoned perspective to his role as National Accounts Manager at Harris Tea. Since joining the company three years ago, Ditcheos has focused on expanding national account business while also supporting distributor operations. His career began humbly—driving a route truck for a specialty coffee distributor. Ditcheos thrives on building relationships and helping customers craft profitable beverage programs. Known for his approachable style and deep industry knowledge, he enjoys hands-on collaboration, from training events to food show conversations. Ditcheos’ passion for the beverage industry is rooted in a lifetime of experience and a deep appreciation for its impact on hospitality. Growing up in a family of Greek immigrants immersed in the restaurant and hotel business, he developed an early understanding of foodservice’s role in community and culture. “You’re going to touch foodservice one way or another in your lifetime,” he reflects. That foundation, combined with his extensive career, fuels his commitment to helping customers not only serve great beverages but also understand the strategy behind them. Whether he’s guiding a national chain or chatting with attendees at a food show, Ditcheos brings authenticity, insight, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. Nick calls Cary, North Carolina home, where he lives with his wife of 34 years and two adult daughters.

Bianca McVaugh, Director of R&D at Harris Tea, has spent nearly a decade steeped in innovation. Since joining the company in 2016 as a product development scientist fresh from a food science master’s program, McVaugh has evolved into a key leader shaping the future of teas and herbal ingredients. Initially focused on coffee and kombucha, McVaugh transitioned to tea when Harris Tea relocated its R&D team to New Jersey.  She plays a pivotal role not only in product development but also in sourcing, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance—an unusually integrated approach in the industry. “Understanding the full supply chain helps us develop better products and be stronger partners to our customers,” she explains. Beyond her R&D leadership, McVaugh is deeply embedded in Harris Tea’s daily operations—from ingredient approvals to troubleshooting production challenges. “Every day starts with a standing meeting with procurement and regulatory teams,” she says. “We’re tasting, evaluating, and collaborating to ensure every raw material meets our standards.” Her hands-on approach extends to working with suppliers on ingredient improvements. McVaugh is particularly energized by the rise of functional teas, a trend accelerated by consumer interest in health and immunity. Her team is revamping their supplement tea portfolio to align with market demands, especially in the growing private label sector. 

This month’s travel takes Visvajit “Vis” De Alwis to several countries as he seeks out new tea growing farms and meets with current suppliers. He and our rep took a boat to a plantation in a remote part of Vietnam, about a six-hour drive from Hanoi. We spare no pain (except for croc bites) in going to different parts of the world to source teas for our uniquely curated blends. 

Happy Juneteenth!

Meet Matt, National Equipment and Service Manager for Harris Tea. His primary role is to execute the programs that are tailored to our customers' needs. His background as a street sales rep gives Matt unique insight into foodservice operations.  Based in South Haven, Michigan, he is father to two twin boys.

Meet Trevor McSwain, Vice President of Foodservice, Tea in Marietta, GA. He oversees a diverse sales team that handles everything from national chains to independent distributors.