Dunkin' Donuts Unveils Profit-Sharing Program for FranchiseesFor the first time, Dunkin' is selling K-Cups in grocery stores and online – and franchisees are reaping the rewards.

As Dunkin' Donuts gears up to sell K-Cups in more locations than ever before, franchisees are getting a slice of the profits.

On Thursday, Dunkin' Brands announced the launch of a program that allows qualified franchisees to evenly split net profits with Dunkin' from the sale of K-Cups and packaged coffee at non-restaurant locations. This program comes at the same time as the announcement that Dunkin' Donuts is making Dunkin' K-Cups available at grocery stores, retail outlets and online for the first time.

在此通知之前,邓肯的便利店ly been available in Dunkin' Donuts shops in the U.S. However, now Dunkin' is expanding partnerships with Smucker and Keurig to sell the K-cups in thousands of new retail locations. Under the deal, Smucker will exclusively distribute and market Dunkin' K-Cups to grocery chains and other mass merchandisers, and Keurig will do the same at specialty stores and office superstores.

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The expanded retail program will begin in mid-2015. In the spring, Dunkin' will additionally begin selling K-Cups online, including at Dunkin', Smucker and Keurig's websites.

"When we introduced Dunkin' K-Cup® packs as a retail item in our restaurants in 2011, we said we would only consider allowing this product to be sold at other retailers if we could do so in a way that benefitted both us and our franchisees," Dunkin' Brands CEO Nigel Travis said in a statement. "In keeping with that commitment, I am delighted to announce that we have been able to reach a profit-sharing agreement with our domestic Dunkin' Donuts franchisees that we believe will drive incremental, profitable growth for both Dunkin' Brands and our franchisees."

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