Dunkin’ Donuts, part of Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc., Canton, Mass., announced plans to launch a line of Dunkin’ Donuts branded ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee beverages in the United States in early 2017. The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, will manufacture, distribute and sell the product.

This marks Dunkin’ Donuts’ first entry into the ready-to-drink coffee category. The agreement supports Dunkin’ Donuts’ goal of strengthening its position as a coffee authority, and further extends the Dunkin’ Donuts brand into new distribution channels.

“We are delighted to be working with The Coca-Cola Co., a world-class partner that will provide us with world-class consumer access, by bringing ready-to-drink Dunkin’ Donuts coffee to the refrigerator cases of grocery, convenience stores and mass merchandisers, as well as inside Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants across the United States,” says Nigel Travis, chairman and CEO of Dunkin’ Brands. “This new product introduction will increase consumption of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and increase our brand relevance with existing and new consumers, including many younger customers, which we believe will in turn drive incremental visits to our restaurants.”

The Coca-Cola Co. will produce Dunkin’ Donuts ready-to-drink coffee beverages according to Dunkin’ Donuts specifications, including using high-quality Arabica coffee blends.

Dunkin’ Donuts has partnered with The Coca-Cola Co. since 2012 to serve Coca-Cola products, including soft drinks, juices, enhanced waters and energy drinks at Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in the United States and select markets around the globe.