BURLINGTON, MASS. – Keurig Dr Pepper has entered into a long-term franchise agreement with Polar Beverages to distribute Polar’s sparkling seltzer waters nationwide. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Prior to the agreement, both companies had a relationship as Polar Beverages has manufactured and distributed some Keurig Dr Pepper brands in the Northeast. The new agreement allows Keurig Dr Pepper to manufacture, distribute and sell Polar Seltzer in the majority of the company’s direct-store delivery footprint. Polar Beverages will continue to manufacture and distribute its sparkling water in its existing territories.
The sparkling water category is trending as it grew more than 15% in retail dollars over the past year, according to Keurig Dr Pepper. In the second quarter, Polar Seltzer grew retail volume and dollar sales 25% and 27%, respectively, based on data from IRI, Chicago.
“Polar Seltzer is an iconic and leading brand in the Northeast, and we are eager to expand that growth across the country,” said Derek Hopkins, chief commercial officer for Keurig Dr Pepper. “The sparkling water category shows no sign of slowing down and, our already strong partnership with Polar Beverages will accelerate our ability to ensure that Polar Seltzer is available wherever consumers shop.”
