Keurig Dr Pepper in Talks to Acquire JDE Peet's in $18 Billion Deal

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) is a leading North American beverage company formed in 2018 through the merger of Keurig Green Mountain and Dr Pepper Snapple Group. It combines a rich heritage in both coffee and soft drinks, with over 125 owned, licensed, and partner brands spanning flavored carbonated soft drinks, non-carbonated beverages, and coffee products[1][6][7]. The origins of KDP trace back to two key companies: Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, founded in 1981 by Bob Stiller in Vermont, which revolutionized coffee consumption by introducing the innovative Keurig single-cup brewing system in 1998; and Dr Pepper Snapple Group, a Texas-based soft drink company known for iconic brands like Dr Pepper, the oldest major soft drink in the U.S., created in 1885 by pharmacist Charles Alderton in Waco, Texas[1][2][4][5]. Dr Pepper’s unique flavor and cultural impact were solidified by early 20th-century events such as the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, which helped establish it as a staple American beverage[5]. Dr Pepper Snapple Group originated as part of Cadbury Schweppes until its spin-off in 2008, bringing a portfolio of legacy soda brands under one roof[1][4]. Meanwhile, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters expanded from a small café to a publicly traded company by the early 1990s, growing its wholesale and retail presence before acquiring Keurig, Inc. in 2006 and rebranding to Keurig Green Mountain in 2014[1][3]. The 2018 merger created a powerhouse combining Keurig’s single-serve coffee innovation with Dr Pepper’s extensive soft drink portfolio. KDP is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, and Frisco, Texas, with a broad manufacturing and distribution network across North America. The company is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker KDP an

JDE Peet's is the world's leading pure-play coffee and tea company, serving approximately 4,400 cups of coffee or tea every second across more than 100 markets globally. The company boasts a portfolio of over 50 prominent brands such as Jacobs, Douwe Egberts, Peet’s, L’OR, Senseo, and Tassimo, making it a dominant player in the coffee and tea industry. In 2024, JDE Peet’s generated EUR 8.8 billion in sales and employed over 21,000 people worldwide[2][5][4]. The organization’s roots trace back over 265 years, beginning in 1753 with the founding of a coffee outlet by Egbert Douwes in the Netherlands. Key milestones include the 1895 establishment of Johann Jacobs’ grocery business in Germany and the 1966 founding of Peet’s Coffee in Berkeley, California. The modern JDE Peet's was formed through the 2019 merger of Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE) and Peet’s Coffee, both majority-owned by JAB Holding. This merger consolidated a vast portfolio and expanded global reach. JDE Peet’s went public on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange in May 2020, raising $2.5 billion with a valuation of $17.3 billion[1][3][4]. JDE Peet’s strategic growth continues through geographical expansion, including new locations across the U.S. and international markets such as the Middle East and Asia, as well as partnerships like the long-term deal with Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF. The company made a notable decision to maintain operations in Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, citing employee protection and intellectual property concerns[1]. In 2024, JAB Holding increased its stake by purchasing Mondelez International’s 17.6% share for €2.16 billion, reaching roughly 68% ownership. Most recentl

Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE) is a global leader in the coffee and tea industry, renowned for its rich history and diverse brand portfolio. Founded on the legacies of Douwe Egberts and Jacobs, the company has evolved over centuries to become a major player in the market. Here's a comprehensive overview of JDE: ## History and Background - **Douwe Egberts** was founded in 1753 in Joure, Netherlands, by Egbert Douwes and his wife Akke Thijsses. The company started as a small store selling colonial goods, including coffee and tea[5][7]. - **Jacobs** originated in 1895 in Bremen, Germany, with Johann Jacobs opening his first grocery store. Jacobs began its coffee roasting operations in the early 20th century[4]. - The merger of these entities with other brands led to the formation of Jacobs Douwe Egberts in 1982 in the Netherlands[4]. ## Key Achievements - **Global Expansion**: JDE operates in over 100 countries, offering a diverse portfolio of more than 50 brands such as L'OR, Peet's, Jacobs, and Douwe Egberts[8]. - **Innovation**: The company is known for its innovative products, such as the Senseo coffee machine, which has revolutionized at-home coffee brewing[3]. - **Market Presence**: JDE ranked second globally in coffee sales for many years, competing closely with Nestlé[4]. ## Current Status In 2020, Jacobs Douwe Egberts merged with Peet's Coffee to form JDE Peet's, further solidifying its position as a global leader in the coffee and tea market[6][8]. The company is headquartered in Amsterdam and went public on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange in May 2020[6]. ## Notable Aspects - **Brand Diversity**: JDE Peet

**Peet's Coffee: A Pioneer in Specialty Coffee** Peet's Coffee, founded by Alfred Peet in 1966, is a leading specialty coffee roaster and retailer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The company revolutionized the U.S. coffee scene by introducing darker roasted Arabica coffee, setting a new standard for quality and flavor. Peet's first store, located in Berkeley, California, initially sold coffee beans rather than brewed cups, emphasizing the importance of fresh, high-quality beans. **History and Key Achievements** Alfred Peet, known as the "grandfather of specialty coffee," grew up in the Netherlands learning the coffee trade from his father. His dissatisfaction with American coffee led him to open Peet's Coffee, which became a hub for coffee innovation. Notably, three young entrepreneurs—Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker—trained under Peet before founding Starbucks in 1971. Peet's influence extended beyond its own brand, as it played a significant role in shaping the American coffee culture. In 1979, Peet sold his business to Sal Bonavita and remained involved until 1983. Jerry Baldwin acquired Peet's in 1984, and in 2012, it was bought by JAB Holding. The company has since expanded, acquiring notable brands like Stumptown Coffee Roasters in 2015. **Current Status and Notable Aspects** Today, Peet's Coffee operates several hundred locations, including licensed outlets on many campuses. It is recognized as a global leader in the coffee industry, with a strong focus on quality and sustainability. Peet's is also part of JDE Peet's, a global coffee and tea company that positions it as the world's largest coffee company by sales. The company's commitment to dark roasting and artisanal techniques continues to define its brand identity, making it a beloved choice among coffee aficionados worldwide.