BURLINGTON, VT. — Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. has invested $300 million to acquire a 33% stake in the La Colombe Coffee Roasters. The investment is a part of a broader partnership between the two companies in which Keurig Dr Pepper will distribute La Colombe ready-to-drink coffees and manufacture and distribute La Colombe branded K-cup coffee pods in Canada and the United States.

Based in Philadelphia, La Colombe manufactures and markets coffee applications to a variety of channels, including retail, branded cafes, foodservice and direct to consumer. Hamdi Ulukaya is the majority owner and chairman of La Colombe. Mr. Ulukaya also is the founder and chief executive officer of the yogurt manufacturer Chobani, LLC.

“We are excited to partner with Hamdi and the La Colombe team to drive value for both companies,” said Bob Gamgort, chairman and CEO of Keurig Dr Pepper. “This partnership will enable KDP to expand its reach into high growth ready-to-drink and super premium coffee segments and will meaningfully increase La Colombe’s availability to consumers.”

The transition of La Colombe RTD coffee distribution to Keurig Dr Pepper will begin in late 2023 and the launch of La Colombe branded K-Cup pods will occur during 2024, according to Keurig Dr Pepper.

“I’m extremely excited to join forces with Bob and his team at KDP to bring La Colombe to every corner of this amazing country,” Mr. Ulukaya said. “I joined the La Colombe journey eight years ago because I believe in its mission, quality, craftsmanship and social impact — and that everyone deserves quality, crafted, natural coffee. With this partnership we’ll be closer to fulfilling the mission of providing exceptional coffee to all.”

This past December, Keurig Dr Pepper paid $863 million to acquire a 30% stake in Nutrabolt, the owner of the C4 Energy, C4 Pre-Workout and XTEND beverage brands. A long-term sales distribution agreement also was a part of the agreement.

In November 2022, the company acquired a minority position in the Athletic Brewing Co. for $50 million.