Green Mountain Partners with Costco to Create Kirkland Signature K-Cup Packs

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. (GMCR), a Waterbury, Vt.-based supplier of specialty coffee and coffee makers, said it partnered with Costco Wholesale, Issaquah, Wash., to be the exclusive manufacturer of Costco Kirkland Signature brand K-Cup packs for the Keurig single-cup brewing system. The new offerings are designed to bring together the broad consumer appeal and value of Costcos premium store brand with the high quality and convenience of the Keurig brewing system, the company said.

GMCR said it developed two blends exclusively for Costco with 100% Arabica coffees: Breakfast Blend, a smooth, balanced light roast; and Pacific Bold, a robust, extra-bold dark roast. The varieties, packaged in 100-count boxes, will be available beginning in mid-November in Costco warehouses in which K-Cup packs currently are sold, as well as on Costco.com.

"We believe Kirkland Signature K-Cup packs provide an incremental opportunity that complements our broad portfolio of coffee and beverage brands and creates more options for value-oriented consumers," said T.J. Whalen, vice president of marketing and sales, GMCRs Specialty Coffee business unit. "This collaboration aligns with our strategy to partner with strong brands that help us expand the adoption of the Keurig system to a broader consumer base. We are pleased to have the Kirkland Signature brand join our system and benefit from our leadership in single cup, our brewer and beverage brand strength, and our manufacturing expertise."

Kirkland Signature K-Cup packs will feature the Keurig Brewed seal, which is displayed on all authorized product packaging as the mark and promise of genuine Keurig quality, GMCR said.