Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), Burlington, Mass., and Plano, Texas, and The Honickman Companies, Pennsauken, N.J., jointly announced an agreement that allows KDP to sell and distribute key KDP brands in 18 counties serving 17 million people in New York and New Jersey. These brands include Canada Dry, Sunkist soda, 7UP and A&W Root Beer, among others, and will approximately double the volume carried by KDP in the area.

KDP's company-owned direct-store-delivery (DSD) operations and its existing independent operators in the area will add the brands to their current lineup, which includes Snapple, Bai, CORE Hydration and Vita Coco. The Honickman Companies, through their various entities, remain KDP's largest independent bottling partner.

KDP President of Cold Beverages Derek Hopkins stated: "We are thrilled to add these KDP powerhouse brands — led by Canada Dry — to our sales and distribution footprint in the Northeast, increasing our scale and strengthening our partnership with our retail customers. Our DSD teams and independent operators have a proven track record of delivering results and we're bullish about the future opportunities this transaction provides. The Honickman Companies are long-term and strategic partners who have cared for and built these brands for many years. We are grateful for their ongoing partnership."

Reginald Goins, president and chief operating officer of The Honickman Companies, added: "We have had a long partnership with KDP and its predecessors that spans nearly five decades. This transaction demonstrates our commitment to that partnership and to the brands we have all worked so hard to build. The transaction with KDP provides a strong pathway forward and follows the business model we have in place for our other Canada Dry companies from Southern New Jersey through Virginia. This is part of our commitment to seek strategic opportunities with our supplier partners that will strengthen our mutual businesses now and in the future."

Sales and distribution will transition to KDP's subsidiary The American Bottling Co. Terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.