JENNIFER COMMINS
Advisor - Canada
Jennifer Commins is the founder and CEO of Pluck Tea, a Toronto-based company that has redefined premium tea for restaurants, cafés, and consumers across Canada and the United States. In 2012, armed with $5,000, a credit card, and an unshakable determination, Jennifer launched Pluck Tea with a mission to "fix restaurant tea" by offering sustainably sourced, hand-blended, and top-quality teas.
Unlike many tea companies that rely on co-packers, Pluck Tea maintains complete control over its production process. Every step, from sourcing and blending to packing, takes place in-house at their Toronto facility, ensuring unmatched freshness and quality. Many of Pluck’s blends feature upcycled or locally grown ingredients, reflecting Jennifer’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
In 2019, Jennifer secured a grant to purchase a tea bag machine, which enabled Pluck Tea to produce custom blends in both hot and iced formats. This strategic move proved invaluable when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional customer channels like restaurants and offices. Pivoting during what she affectionately calls the "Tea Olympics," Jennifer taught herself e-commerce and launched Pluck Tea’s online store on Shopify. Today, the store is a rapidly growing sales channel, praised for its competitive pricing, excellent customer service, and over 500 5-star Google reviews.
Under Jennifer’s leadership, Pluck Tea has emerged stronger, more resilient, and deeply committed to its mission of Tea for Good. Certified as a woman-owned business (WBE) and holding SQF Quality Certification, Pluck Tea is rapidly expanding distribution across North America while continuing to prioritize sustainability, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Jennifer’s journey exemplifies grit, adaptability, and the power of thoughtful leadership. She continues to champion innovation in the tea industry while inspiring others through her vision and determination.