[MONDAY MINUTE] The Secret Motive Behind Why Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) is Focusing on Energy Drinks

Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ: KDP) basically went from getting its categorical ass whipped to being the most interesting energy drinks portfolio in just two short years by acquiring a large stake in Nutrabolt (owner of C4 Energy), strategically partnering with Black Rifle Coffee Company to distribute its new energy drink, acquiring GHOST Lifestyle, and adding Bloom Energy to its national DSD system. But what if KDP was making all these strategic moves to simply hedge against a growing risk on its multibillion-dollar U.S. coffee segment? KDP was recently charged by the SEC over making inaccurate statements within past earnings reports about the recyclability of K-Cups. And while the civil penalty levied was laughable, it highlights sustainability questions at a time when conscious consumerism is becoming more popular. If anything, maybe it’s telling when the K-Cup inventor has publicly stated for years his regret over the negative environmental impact of those tiny plastic pods.