Keurig

Keurig refers to a brand of single-serve coffee brewing systems and the associated K-Cup pod technology. The core product line includes coffee makers and a range of disposable pre-packaged pods designed to contain coffee grounds, tea, hot chocolate, and other beverages. The machines operate by placing a pod into a carriage, piercing the pod’s top and bottom, and forcing hot water through it to brew a single cup of beverage in roughly a minute. Users select the cup size and the brew strength varies by model.

History and corporate structure: Keurig, Incorporated, was founded in 1992 in the United States by John Sylvan and Peter Dragone. The company introduced its single-serve brewing system in the early 2000s. In 2006, Keurig was acquired by Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, which eventually adopted the Keurig brand as its flagship product line. In 2018, Green Mountain's Keurig business merged with Dr Pepper Snapple Group, creating Keurig Dr Pepper, a multinational beverage company that markets its coffee makers and K-Cup pods alongside other beverages.

Products and market: Keurig devices are sold for home and workplace use, and a wide variety of K-Cup pods are offered by Keurig and third-party manufacturers. The system emphasizes convenience and speed, with many users able to brew a fresh cup in under a minute. Models range from basic brewers to higher-end machines with programmable features and adjustable cup sizes.

Environmental and industry context: The disposable K-Cup pods have been a point of environmental criticism because of waste associated with single-use capsules. The company has announced initiatives to improve recyclability and sustainability and to promote reusable brewing options and recycling of pods where facilities exist.