WATERBURY, Vt. – Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. has acquired the Laughing Man Coffee and Tea brand from Laughing Man Worldwide, LLC. Keurig will introduce Laughing Man’s curated selection of gourmet coffees and teas to Keurig brand packs for use in Keurig brewers beginning in spring 2015. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“The Laughing Man Coffee and Tea brand today is much like our company 30 years ago: a small, passionate start-up with a mission to bring extraordinary coffee to the world,” said Brian Kelley, President and CEO at Keurig.
“Consumers’ coffee tastes are expanding and there is increasing demand for distinct, super-premium coffee like Laughing Man’s curated collection. By bringing Laughing Man into our Keurig family of brands, we can significantly broaden awareness of and passion for these unique beverages, providing even broader variety and choice for Keurig brewer owners.”
“We started Laughing Man Coffee and Tea to fulfill a commitment I made to share the amazing products and story of an Ethiopian coffee farmer named Dukale,” said Hugh Jackman, co-founder of Laughing Man Worldwide.
“Six years later, it’s humbling to think that, through this agreement, Dukale’s exceptional coffee will be enjoyed by millions through the convenience of the Keurig brewing system.”
Founded in 2008 and headquartered in New York City, Laughing Man Worldwide develops businesses that help commerce and community grow together. Laughing Man Coffee and Tea was the first venture under this model, inspired to bring gourmet coffees and teas to the world thanks to a moving encounter with an Ethiopian coffee farmer.
“We created Laughing Man Coffee and Tea with the belief that beautiful products arise from people who love what they do; Keurig Green Mountain’s ethos is just the perfect combination of passion and innovation,” said David Steingard, co-founder and CEO at Laughing Man Worldwide.
“We couldn’t think of a better partner and brand than Keurig to help the Laughing Man brand live and grow.”
Beginning in spring 2015, Keurig intends to offer a selection of Laughing Man coffees in K-Cup packs for the Keurig hot brewing system, including the new Keurig 2.0, exclusively on Keurig.com and expand to specialty retailers by the end of 2015. The initial launch will feature Laughing Man’s distinct flavor profiles, including Dukale’s Blend, a balanced, velvety, and bright dark roast coffee and the cornerstone of Laughing Man’s collection.
