Dunkin’ Brands and The Kraft Heinz Company Announce Strategic Merger to Form Dunkin’ Heinz Co.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dunkin’ Brands and The Kraft Heinz Company Announce Strategic Merger to Form Dunkin’ Heinz Co.

Newly combined company aims to accelerate innovation across breakfast, beverages, and packaged foods

Chicago, IL and Boston, MA — February 12, 2026 — Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (“Dunkin’”) and The Kraft Heinz Company (“Kraft Heinz”) today announced that their respective boards of directors have unanimously approved a definitive agreement to merge, creating a new publicly traded company to be known as Dunkin’ Heinz Co.

The transaction brings together one of the world’s leading quick-service coffee and baked goods brands with one of the largest food and condiment companies globally. The combined company will leverage complementary brand portfolios, global distribution networks, and innovation platforms to expand in both retail and foodservice channels.

Under the terms of the agreement, Dunkin’ shareholders will receive a combination of cash and stock in the new entity. The merger is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Strategic Rationale

Executives from both companies emphasized three core objectives:

1. Cross-Channel Growth
Dunkin’ Heinz plans to expand Dunkin’-branded retail products—including coffee, creamers, and baking mixes—through Kraft Heinz’s extensive grocery distribution network, while introducing Kraft Heinz products into Dunkin’ restaurants and licensed locations worldwide.

2. Accelerated Product Innovation
The combined R&D teams will focus on developing new breakfast-adjacent and snacking products, with an emphasis on flavor-forward offerings, convenience formats, and limited-time collaborations.

3. Operational Efficiencies
The merger is expected to generate significant cost synergies through supply chain integration, procurement scale, and streamlined marketing investments.

Executive Leadership

The new company will be headquartered in Chicago, with major operational offices in Boston. A transition leadership committee composed of senior executives from both organizations will oversee integration planning.

“We see tremendous opportunity at the intersection of breakfast, beverages, and bold flavor innovation,” said the incoming CEO of Dunkin’ Heinz Co. “This merger positions us to move faster, scale smarter, and create distinctive products that resonate with evolving consumer tastes.”

A Kraft Heinz spokesperson added, “Dunkin’ has one of the most recognizable breakfast brands in the world. By combining our capabilities, we can unlock new growth platforms across both foodservice and retail.”

Brand Portfolio

Dunkin’ Heinz Co. will manage a portfolio including:

• Dunkin’

• Heinz

• Kraft

• Oscar Mayer

• Philadelphia

• Planters

• Maxwell House

The company confirmed that all existing brands will continue operating under their current identities.

Outlook

The companies project mid-single-digit revenue growth in the first full fiscal year post-merger, driven by expanded retail partnerships, menu innovation, and international market development.

Additional details will be shared during a joint investor call scheduled for later today.

About Dunkin’ Brands
Dunkin’ is one of the world’s leading coffee and baked goods chains, serving millions of guests daily across thousands of locations worldwide.

About The Kraft Heinz Company
The Kraft Heinz Company is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, with a portfolio of iconic brands sold in more than 40 countries.

Media Contacts: 
press@dunkinheinzco.com
investorrelastions@dunkinheinzco.com

Note: This is a totally fictional press release.