More than a year after introducing a new coffee brand to select stores, Kum & Go is expanding its partnership with beverage company BLK & Bold to bring its sustainably sourced, specialty grade coffee to more that 300 of its convenience stores across 13 states.
Kum & Go’s in-store whole bean-to-cup machines will distribute hot coffee that will feature BLK & Bold’s Rise & GRND and Smoove Operator blends for an on-the-go experience for consumers. This larger companywide launch follows the initial launch of BLK & Bold in select locations in January 2022.
BLK & Bold is the first Black-owned nationally distributed coffee company dedicated to bringing accessibility and quality to consumers, according to the company. Since inception, the brand has donated 5% of proceeds to its social impact initiative “For Our Youth,” which helps nonprofit organizations support children in underserved communities across the country.
Kum & Go is a family-owned company providing a fresh perspective to convenience by bringing customers the choices they deserve, and a quality typically not met in the convenience industry, the retailer said. Both based in Des Moines, Iowa, the companies aim to uphold the values of community support, engagement and experience.
- Kum & Go is No. 22 on CSP’s 2023 Top 40 update to the 2022 Top 202 ranking of the largest c-store chains in the United States. It was acquired by Maverik, No. 21, in April.
“This partnership creates an opportunity to share the quality of our coffee, bring an experience to our consumers and positively impact more communities,” said Pernell Cezar, CEO of BLK & Bold. “We are able to become part of people’s day in a new way by widening the accessibility of specialty grade coffee to over 300 convenience stores for a premium on-the-go experience.”
Blk & Bold sources Fair Trade and direct trade 100% Arabica coffee from Ethiopia, Central and South America. The process is monitored and roasted in Des Moines by experts and utilizes precise formulas to emphasize natural flavor notes from blueberries to caramel in their wide range of assortments, the company said.
“Kum & Go’s national partnership with BLK & Bold is the latest in our journey to bring a fresh perspective to the convenience space,” said Tanner Krause, CEO of Kum & Go. “BLK & Bold’s coffee is as fine a cup as you will find in our industry. Combining quality with the philanthropic values of the brand is a key reason why their company is growing rapidly and why they are an obvious fit with Kum & Go’s values.”
Meanwhile, Kum & Go continues to expand its footprint and partnerships through myriad initiatives. The retailer recently entered two new markets, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Kum & Go is also actively expanding its new made-to-order food program that offers fresh meals for customers in more than 100 stores. The c-store chain is taking these steps, it said, in an effort to keep healthier choices and quality at the forefront as part of its new initiatives and branding.
Kum & Go employs more than 5,000 associates at more than 400 stores across 13 states.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.