Volcafe names Jason Cortellini as Regional General Manager for North America
May 16 - 2025
Coffee Geography Magazine
Volcafe names Jason Cortellini as Regional General Manager for North America, effective June 3, 2025. With over 25 years of experience in the coffee sector, Cortellini will spearhead Volcafe’s efforts to strengthen its market presence, optimize operations, and foster sustainable growth across the region. His appointment underscores Volcafe’s commitment to deepening partnerships and enhancing its role as a trusted partner in the global coffee supply chain.
Founded in 1851, Volcafe is a cornerstone of the global coffee industry, renowned for its expertise in green coffee sourcing, processing, and distribution. Operating in over 30 origin countries, the company supplies high-quality beans for more than 66 billion cups of coffee annually—equivalent to nearly 8% of global consumption. Volcafe’s vertically integrated model ensures traceability, sustainability, and reliability for its network of roasters and retailers worldwide.
Cortellini’s career spans strategic leadership roles at major consumer goods and coffee companies. He began at Sara Lee, where he honed his skills in supply chain management and brand development. Later, as Vice President and Global Head of the Coffee Center of Excellence at Tata Consumer Products, he pioneered initiatives that streamlined procurement processes, enhanced product innovation, and drove sustainable sourcing practices. His tenure at Tata saw the establishment of a cross-functional hub for coffee expertise, boosting operational efficiency and market responsiveness.
In his new role, Cortellini will leverage his dual expertise in origin operations and market-side strategy to address evolving consumer trends, such as demand for ethically sourced and premium-grade coffee. He will focus on strengthening relationships with North American roasters, expanding Volcafe’s sustainability programs, and advancing digital tools to improve supply chain transparency.
Tim Scharrer, Volcafe’s Chief Operating Officer and Regional Director for Europe and North America, emphasized Cortellini’s strategic fit: “Jason’s deep understanding of both origin markets and North American dynamics positions him uniquely to lead our regional growth. His track record in building high-performing teams and driving innovation aligns perfectly with Volcafe’s mission to be the world’s most trusted coffee partner. I’m excited to see how his vision will elevate our operations and deliver value to customers.”
Commenting on his appointment, Cortellini stated: “Volcafe’s heritage and global reach are unmatched. I’m eager to collaborate with the talented North America team to enhance our service offerings and support clients in a competitive landscape. By integrating sustainable practices and cutting-edge solutions, we’ll not only meet but exceed the expectations of partners who rely on Volcafe for quality and reliability. Together, we’ll shape the future of coffee in this critical market.”
Volcafe, part of the ED&F Man Group, is in green coffee production, trading, and sustainability solutions. With over 170 years of expertise, the company operates across the entire coffee value chain—from farm-level partnerships with 200,000+ growers to logistics, risk management, and quality control for roasters.