Michelle Sumiko Heinrichs

Experience

1. Manager, Coffee & Industry Affairs

   Nestlé

   Jan 2025 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   Coffee Education Leader | Nestlé Coffee & Beverage (U.S. CPG)Seattle, WashingtonCoffee Education Leader supporting Nestlé Coffee & Beverage’s U.S. Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Sales organization, partnering closely with our Sales & Brand teams to elevate how we sell coffee innovation to our top retail accounts.I design and execute premium, customer-facing \"brewing coffee at-home\" experiences that translate deep coffee knowledge into commercial impact—building credibility with customers, strengthening selling stories, and bringing our innovation to life in meaningful, memorable ways. By showcasing best-in-class preparation, product storytelling, and sensory engagement, I help enable Sales teams to lead with authority and confidence in high-stakes customer conversations.In parallel, I enable Brand teams to become more confident in tasting, describing, and evaluating coffee—strengthening their ability to develop, position, and advocate for innovation that resonates with both customers and consumers.Key impact areas include:Serving as a coffee subject-matter expert for Sales, enhancing customer trust and engagement across priority accountsCreating immersive coffee experiences that support innovation sell-in and elevate brand perceptionEducating internal teams, customers, and agency partners on coffee craftsmanship, preparation, and product differentiationBridging brand, sales, and education to ensure a consistent, premium execution in customer meetings, trade events, and industry forumsNational Coffee Association liaison for Nestle USA & NCABrand portfolio supported:Starbucks® Coffee & Creamers, Nescafé®, Seattle’s Best Coffee®, Blue Bottle Coffee®, Coffee mate®, and natural bliss® Creamers