Continental Sausage, dba Charcutnuvo Organic and Natural Sausages

Charcutnuvo is a fourth-generation, family-owned sausage company blending European heritage with Colorado innovation. Founded on tradition and sustained through independence, the company is led by owner and chief executive officer Eric Gutknecht, who took over operations in 2003 after growing up in the business. His son, Alex, now works alongside him, continuing the family’s legacy.

Gutknecht’s deep connection to sausage-making began in childhood, when his parents joined the family’s original plant in the 1980s. After college, he returned to the company, determined to carry its values forward while introducing a cleaner, more sustainable approach. A world-ranked triathlete, Gutknecht became passionate about all-natural meats, steering the company away from additives and chemicals and toward organic and regenerative practices.

Today, Charcutnuvo is the first sausage company to launch a Regenerative Organic Certified line, underscoring its commitment to building a sustainable future through partnerships with farms that focus on soil health and humane practices. The company manufactures all of its products in its own Denver facility, ensuring quality control, rapid innovation and flexibility in the face of industry disruptions. By contrast, many competitors rely on co-manufacturers, a distinction Gutknecht said gives Charcutnuvo a competitive edge.

The company’s mission is to instill consumer confidence by offering premium, flavorful sausages made with natural and organic ingredients, including free-range chicken, organic beef and wild game. Its vision is to make Charcutnuvo a household name synonymous with cleaner, kinder and better food.

During the pandemic, the company overcame significant challenges when foodservice sales, which had accounted for half its revenue, collapsed. Charcutnuvo pivoted quickly to retail channels, growing that side of the business by 30 percent while retaining all key staff. Leaders credited a lean, dedicated team for helping the company emerge stronger.

Charcutnuvo also invests in its community through partnerships with Denver Kids, the Colfax Marathon and Wish for Wheels. Employees describe Gutknecht’s leadership as hands-on, with an open-door policy and a culture of loyalty and care resulting in low turnover.

Looking ahead, Charcutnuvo plans to expand its regenerative organic line, maintain annual growth and strengthen its role as a leader in sustainable, independent food production.

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