About Us
Our Story
In 1969, Swiss immigrant Ted Jaeggi brought his European-style sausages to the Denver Front Range by opening Ted Jaeggi’s Continental Sausage. Fast-forward to the mid-1970s, and another Swiss sausage-making family— the Gutknechts—arrived from Zurich. We’re talking four generations of sausage-making expertise. If you cut us, we practically bleed bratwurst.
Eric Gutknecht was just three years old when his parents joined Ted at the original sausage plant, eventually buying the business in the mid-’80s. In Eric’s words, “Packing sausage was cheaper than daycare,” so he grew up literally knee-deep in the family trade. After college, Eric returned to the business, taking over in 2003.
But Eric wasn’t just a devoted sausage-maker—he’s also a world-ranked triathlete. Between juggling triathlon training and fatherhood, Eric became passionate (okay, borderline obsessive) about clean, natural meats, free of antibiotics, hormones, and synthetic chemicals. So he steered the company toward an all-natural approach—eventually branching into organic and regenerative practices.
Cleaner, Kinder, Better
We believe great food should be:
- Cleaner: No antibiotics, no hormones, no synthetic chemicals. Just real, clean food.
- Kinder: Supporting humane animal treatment and regenerative agriculture.
- Better: Good for you, your family, and future generations.
What Makes Us Different
1. Family-Owned and Operated
No big corporate overlords or VC money. We own our production facility, so we never compromise on quality.
2. European Heritage Meets Colorado Innovation
Swiss craftsmanship meets Colorado’s adventurous spirit—think wild game sausages, bold flavors, and next-level quality.
3. Regenerative & Organic Pioneers
We partner with Regenerative Organic Certified farms to help build a sustainable future. Our “Cleaner, Kinder, Better” promise isn’t just talk—we live it.
4. Premier Quality, No Exceptions
We don’t cut corners. Every ingredient, every process, every bite—crafted with meticulous care.
5. Upright at All Costs
Eric’s triathlon habit sometimes results in pavement kisses. (Ouch.) Our branded hats say “Upright at all costs” under the brim—a reminder to him (and us) to stay on our feet.
Our Mission & Vision
Our mission: To instill consumer confidence by delivering outrageously delicious products that better the world through humane practices, organic & natural ingredients, and a proud team actively contributing to society.
Our vision: To give every person the opportunity to experience the best-tasting sausage on the planet. We’re not stopping until Charcutnuvo is a household name for cleaner, kinder, and better sausage.
Community Connections
We’re big on giving back, partnering with Denver Kids, the Colfax Marathon, and Wish for Wheels to uplift local organizations. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about selling sausage—it’s about being a good neighbor and making a positive impact.
The Road Ahead
Our goal? Become the premier quality sausage in the country while raising awareness for regenerative agriculture. If there’s a new sustainable practice or a better way to craft flavor-blasting brats, we’ll find it—and keep Eric upright in the process.
So fire up your grill, load up your plate, and get ready to taste a real difference. Because when sausages are made with Cleaner, Kinder, Better in mind, everybody wins.
Meet the passionate crew behind Charcutnuvo.