Keurig Discontinues Kold

Keurig has put its Kold system on ice.

The company said it was discontinuing its high-profile cold home beverage maker, and as a result cutting 100 jobs, according to published reports.

Introduced in September of 2015, Kold offered a variety of flavors that included well-known soft drinks such as Coca-Cola, Sprite and Dr. Pepper. Keurig officials touted the machine, priced at $369, as one that was revolutionary and would meet the needs of a growing number of consumers who wanted freedom of choice when making cold beverages at home.

However, many retail analysts questioned the pricing structure of the units and the flavor pods, a four-pack of which sold for between $4.49 and $4.99. Each pod would make an 8-ounce beverage.

Despite the skepticism raised by some at the time Kold debuted, former Keurig president and CEO Brian Kelley told HOMEWORLD BUSINESS® last year that he was confident that early adopters would not be scared off by the pricepoints.

“Consumers today just value very differently and will spend $500 for items such as an iPhone or a blender,” he said. “Kold also uses technology that is very innovative and warrants the pricepoint.”

Editor’s note: The story has been updated to remove a figure from a Business Insider report that cited Keurig’s investment costs in Kold.