USA – Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), a prominent beverage company in North America, has announced the expansion of its existing partnership with the renowned Italian coffee company, Lavazza Group.
The extended collaboration will include broader sales and distribution of Lavazza K-Cup pods and introduce the Canadian brand, Kicking Horse Coffee, to the K-Cup pod format.
Under the agreement, KDP will maintain its role as the exclusive sourcing partner and manufacturer of premium Lavazza K-Cup pods.
Additionally, KDP will take on sales and distribution responsibilities in retail and e-commerce across the United States and Canada. The partnership aims to leverage KDP’s extensive reach to bring Lavazza’s premium coffee offerings to a wider audience.
Hossam Ashraf, Lavazza North America President, highlighted the significance of the expanded partnership, stating, “This partnership marks a significant milestone for Lavazza and Kicking Horse, as it opens new avenues to reach a wider audience of coffee enthusiasts. It represents an exceptional opportunity to fortify our collaboration with KDP.”
The collaboration dates back to 2014, and the expansion is seen as a strategic move to enhance the presence of Lavazza’s premium coffee products in North America.
The agreement also includes plans to introduce Kicking Horse Coffee, known for its fair trade and organic roasts, in the K-Cup pod format. This move is expected to offer consumers a new and convenient way to enjoy the distinctive flavors of Kicking Horse Coffee through the Keurig brewing system.
Cedric Malaga, CEO of Kicking Horse Coffee, expressed the brand’s mission to bring better coffee to the world and shared, “Sharing our always fair trade and organic roasts with as many people as possible means we’re delivering on this mission.”
Both Keurig Dr Pepper and Lavazza Group emphasize their commitment to sustainable coffee practices, aiming to benefit coffee farmers, communities, and the environment.
The expansion of this partnership aligns with KDP’s strategy to offer a diverse portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed, and partner brands, catering to a broad consumer base.
In October 2023, KDP announced a significant investment of US$100 million to expand its K-Cup pod roasting and manufacturing facility in South Carolina, demonstrating the company’s dedication to meeting the growing demand for its coffee products.
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