Part III – Paulo Ortega, Bottles Lead Operator

In this three-part series, we go behind the scenes of the creation of the STōK Espresso Blend and highlight three Danoners who helped bring the roast to market. Learn about their role in the process, how they have grown in their careers, and why they love working at Danone.

Danone North America’s (mad) food scientists perfected the espresso blend, an important assignment they were recruited to complete following the brand marketing team’s extensive research into consumer coffee cravings. Now it was time to put STōK Espresso Blend in the hands of the caffeinated masses.

With Bottles Lead Operator and Line Knowledge Coach Paulo Ortega heading up the team, Danone North America’s City of Industry Plant in California began brewing.

It’s Brew Time 

As the Bottles Lead, Paulo's daily goal is to set the production line up for safety and success. So when it was time to run the first batch of STōK Espresso Blend, Paulo’s team was ready.

Filling the bottles with the brew is a carefully coordinated effort. With 10 people simultaneously working in a synchronized production run, a batch of STōK Espresso takes six hours to complete.  Next, it's poured into bottles, sleeved, and whisked away on a conveyor belt.

Then, it’s palletized and transferred to a cooler where it awaits delivery to customers. 

“Going out to the grocery store and seeing products I’ve handled with my two hands is truly fulfilling,” Paulo says. “ STōK is a staple in many people’s refrigerators, and I take tremendous pride in that.” 

Planting the Seed 

Long-time employment at the City of Industry Plant runs in Paulo’s family. His father, who has since retired from Danone, worked at the plant for 15 years. He insisted that Paulo apply. In 2007, Paulo took his advice. 

“He always told me great things about his job,” Paulo says. “I needed a change and decided to apply.” 

Immediately after the interview, he received the call with the job offer. 

“There hasn’t been a day in the 17 years where I’m not thankful for my job as I’m driving into work,” Paulo says.

Growing with Danone

Throughout his career at Danone, Paulo has had the opportunity to learn the entire line. He’s fully trained on the machines and the production process. He’s also developed skills in communication, and leadership.

Now, as a Knowledge Coach, he passes on his learnings to his teammates, training them on the operating procedures he developed and ensuring they produce quality products and recognize safety protocols.

“I’ve always gotten a tremendous amount of support and that has given me the confidence to do my job and do it right,” Paulo says. 

Proud Danoner 

A long-time employee, Paulo is dedicated to his work and plans to stay with Danone through retirement.

“Danone has blessed me to live a good, comfortable life for myself and my children,” Paulo says. “I’ve been able to attain anything I want with hard work, dedication, and commitment.” 

Read the first two stories in the series featuring Food Scientist Brittney Bonham and Senior Associate Brand Manager Annie Fennell to learn about their part in bringing the STōK Espresso Blend to life.