OJAI, Calif., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Zhena's Gypsy Tea, a brand recognized for fostering the growth of the Fair Trade, organic movement announced today that Don Gaidano has joined the specialty tea company as its COO/CFO. Don is the former CEO of Rachel's Organics UK, Vice President of International/CFO of Horizon Organic Dairy, and Vice President of European Business Development of White Wave Foods (Dean Foods).

"We are very pleased to have someone with Don's depth of industry knowledge and expertise as a part of our team," stated Zhena Muzyka, company founder and CEO. "His solid track record of developing strong businesses focused on profitable growth will be a tremendous asset to our goal of building a successful and enduring brand."

Gaidano's proven track record includes the rapid growth of the women-centric Rachel's brand from $7mm to $100mm, along with being an integral part of taking the Horizon Organic brand through an IPO.

"There are similarities in the Rachel's and Zhena's brands in regards to having women founders and women's target markets. In specialty tea, where an estimated 88% of purchases are made by women, having successfully stewarded the rapid growth of a woman's brand before gives me great confidence we will be successful with Zhena's," said Gaidano.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to put my range of experience and perspective to work and play a role in the strategy of this remarkable fast growing brand," said Gaidano.

About Zhena's Gypsy Tea

Headquartered in Ojai, California, is a pro-active purpose based brand, whose goal it is to make a difference in people's lives by offering only premium teas that benefit consumer's health and the health of the planet. A socially responsible business with a commitment to improve the social, economical and environmental well-being of the world through its offerings of prized and exquisite Fair Trade and organic teas and herbs; the company works toward social justice, humanitarian causes and sustainable business. To learn more/ 800.448.0803 http://www.gypsytea.com

SOURCE Zhena's Gypsy Tea