Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. is adding another big name to its hot beverage portfolio: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. Green Mountain made headlines last week with the announcement it has signed on as the exclusive partner for the production and sale of Coca-Cola branded single-serve, pod-based cold beverages.
G.M.C.R., along with Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Krispy Kreme, plan to launch Krispy Kreme coffees, Smooth and Decaf, in K-Cup packs for Keurig brewers by the end of 2014. The new Krispy Kreme K-Cup packs will be available at Keurig.com and KrispyKreme.com, as well as at participating Krispy Kreme shops, grocery, retail, and away-from-home channels throughout the United States.
“At G.M.C.R., we’re committed to partnering with the best brands in the marketplace to bring consumers the beverages they love at the touch of a button,” said Brian P. Kelley, president and chief executive officer of G.M.C.R. “Working with Krispy Kreme welcomes a beloved brand into our family and promises consumers that the quality and taste they expect from Krispy Kreme are there with each and every brew.”
With more than 800 shops in more than 20 countries, Krispy Kreme is an internationally recognized retail brand. James Morgan, chairman, president and c.e.o. of Krispy Kreme, called G.M.C.R. a “pioneer of single cup brewing technology.”
“We are proud to partner with such a highly regarded company,” Mr. Morgan said. “We look forward to bringing the joy of our great Krispy Kreme coffee into the homes of consumers through the convenience of the Keurig system.”
Both Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts brand coffee has been available for the Keurig system since 2011, and Panera-branded product joined the lineup last fall. Meanwhile, Kraft Foods Group, Inc., which makes the Tassimo Brewing system, last fall began a partnership with McDonald’s for its coffee products.
