ORRVILLE, Ohio, U.S. — The launch of Dunkin’ Donuts® K-Cup pods into the at-home category has been recognized as a 2018 Nielsen Breakthrough Innovation. Presented by Nielsen BASES, the Nielsen Breakthrough Innovations list honors innovative consumer products that have grown their categories while shaping today’s consumer landscape.
The 2018 Nielsen Breakthrough Innovations list highlights 25 consumer product introductions following a review of more than 3,500 launches.
The featured innovations met established criteria for distinctiveness, delivering a new value proposition to the market; generating sales, with a minimum of $50 million in year one U.S. sales; and demonstrating the ability to endure the market by delivering at least 90 percent of year one sales in year two.
The Smucker and Dunkin’ Brands collaboration, which introduced the coffee brand to the at-home category, has resulted in the launch of popular roasts in convenient packaged formats at leading retailers across the country. The K-Cup® pod introduction surpassed $200 million in year one sales.
“We are committed to growing the coffee category through exciting innovations that meet the needs of consumers, and we are very proud to share this recognition with our partners at Dunkin’.” said Joe Stanziano, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Coffee, The J. M. Smucker Company. “Bringing a beloved brand like Dunkin’ into homes across the country was a significant achievement and the K-Cup® pod introduction played a major role in the partnership’s growth while creating opportunities for future innovation.”
In addition to regular introductions of new flavors in current formats, both companies continue innovating to bring sought after offerings to consumers, such as the recent introduction of at-home cold brew coffee packs.
“We are honored that Dunkin’ Donuts® K-Cup® pods were recognized as one of only 25 U.S. products to receive the 2018 Nielsen Breakthrough Award for breakthrough innovation and success,” said Brian Gilbert, Vice President, Retail Business Development, Dunkin Brands Group, Inc.
“Dunkin’ Donuts® K-Cup® pods were launched in 2015 and the success of the initial line has led to the introduction of additional coffee varieties, new formats and expanded distribution at leading retailers to meet the growing consumer demand for the signature taste of Dunkin’ coffee. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Smucker to bring the rich, smooth taste of Dunkin’ coffee to even more consumers in 2019 and beyond.”
