Chris A. Palmer

Chris A. Palmer has extensive experience in the sourcing and management of tea, botanicals, and other ingredients. From 1994 to 1999, they worked as Assistant Quality Assurance and Commodities Manager for Chock Full o' Nuts / Cain's Coffee & Tea, where they conducted quality testing, troubleshooting, and analysis. At Neighbors Coffee and Tea from 1999 to 2004, Chris reduced inventory, negotiated contracts, and developed blends for annual promotions.

From 2004 to 2007, Chris worked for Tetley and Harris Freeman & Co as a Tea and Herbal Blending Specialist. Chris A. negotiated contracts, performed competitive analysis, and acquired components for new product development. With Tazo Tea from 2013 to 2015, they served as a Senior Tea Specialist. Additionally, Chris held roles as a Tea Specialist at Tazo Tea from 2007 to 2011 and as a Senior Tea Specialist at Starbucks from 2015 to 2020.

At Starbucks, Chris ensured a stable supply and cost of tea, botanicals, spices, and oils while managing significant inventory. Chris A. sourced tea from various countries below standard cost and saved the company over $850,000 through blend cost reductions. In their most recent role as a Strategic Sourcing Manager at Darigold since 2020, Chris managed a portfolio of 250 ingredients and packaging, saved $920,000 and $750,000 through negotiation, and developed cost-saving initiatives. Chris A. also implemented a risk analysis to inform decision-making.

Overall, Chris A. Palmer has demonstrated expertise in sourcing, negotiating, and optimizing costs for a wide range of ingredients, particularly in the tea and beverage industry.

Chris A. Palmer attended the University of Central Oklahoma from 1993 to 1998, where they obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Graphic Design.