Keurig Dr Pepper Canada drives purpose through impact

Danielle Wedge says she was drawn to Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) Canada because of the company’s values, strong focus on community involvement and commitment to sustainability.

“I was looking for a company that truly lived its values and made a real impact, both in the community and the workplace,” says Wedge. “At KDP Canada, I found exactly that.”

KDP’s purpose – “Drink Well. Do Good.” – is central to everything the company does, from the beverages it creates to the positive impact it strives to make. Since joining KDP Canada, Wedge has been involved in various volunteer initiatives through the company’s charitable partnerships, focusing on combating hunger, building resilience and improving community well-being. Over the past year, she and her team have participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure, served meals at the Canadian Red Cross Mobile Food Bank and assembled emergency food hampers at the Mississauga Food Bank.

“Giving back isn’t just about supporting communities – it’s about creating memorable moments with my team while working toward a common purpose,” Wedge says. “It’s deeply fulfilling, and something I truly value.”

Ryan Bahadur, vice-president of finance, emphasizes that KDP Canada’s commitment to the community is deeply connected to its people. “We believe our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we extend our support to the communities we live and work in – it’s part of who we are.”

KDP Canada officers have said they see the company as the challenger in the beverage industry, embracing a dynamic, forward-thinking approach that aims to disrupt the status quo. This mindset fosters a culture where employees are empowered to take risks, innovate and push boundaries. “I really appreciate how inclusive and approachable our leadership team is,” Wedge says. “They trust and empower us to take calculated risks, and that kind of support is invaluable.”

Recently, Wedge led a sponsorship deal with the Toronto Blue Jays – a career highlight she calls "a marketer’s dream."

“Opportunities like this don’t come around often,” she says. “I had the full support of my leader and our president, which allowed me to push this initiative forward. It also created space for my team to experiment with innovative ways to bring our iconic brands to life.”

As Bahadur explains, KDP Canada is passionate about offering employees opportunities for growth, whether through career moves, stretch assignments or enhancing skills in their current roles.

“The company actively encourages and supports growth and curiosity,” Bahadur says. “When employees develop new skills and pursue their ambitions, it strengthens them personally and benefits the company as a whole.”

Wedge echoes this sentiment, reflecting on her experience with KDP Canada’s learning and development programs, including the Spark Your Potential initiative and a recent women’s leadership event in Texas.

“The program provided valuable insights and practical tools that helped me grow both personally and professionally,” Wedge says. “KDP’s dedication to employee development has empowered me to take on new challenges.”

KDP Canada also provides training that fosters collaboration across North America. Wedge recently enrolled her team in a virtual leadership session focused on building high-performing teams.

“The session allowed us to engage directly with senior leaders from various functions across KDP North America,” she says. “It strengthened collaboration and provided actionable insights.”

Bahadur is proud of KDP Canada’s efforts to create an environment that supports its people while driving the business forward. “At KDP, it’s all about great brands, great people and a great culture,” he says. “We’re always striving for excellence. It’s not about perfection – it’s about improving every day, making the right plays and continuing to win as one united team.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Canada's Top 100 Employers winners, published November 15, 2024 in The Globe and Mail. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.

At Keurig Dr Pepper Canada, opportunity and talent meet

Amélie Lavoie is proud to have led the recent move by Keurig Dr Pepper Canada (KDP Canada) into its new corporate headquarters in the heart of Mile-Ex, Montréal. This relocation marks a defining moment, she says, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to innovation, employee growth and its people-first culture.

“This project pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me the opportunity to stretch my skills,” says Lavoie, senior director, human resources. “I am extremely proud of what we’ve delivered, not just in terms of environment, but from an employee experience standpoint and also as a symbol of the exciting evolution we’re undergoing as a company.”

Lavoie says leading this project reflects the company’s Rock-Walling philosophy, which encourages employees to embrace challenges, seize opportunities to learn through project work and keep evolving within the company.

Emily Kafoury, brand manager, future coffee systems, embodies this philosophy — her career trajectory reflects the internal mobility and continuous development that KDP champions. She began in the Van Houtte Coffee Services commercial division, then transitioned to the Keurig Omni Team. Recently, she was promoted to support the company’s latest innovations: its K-Rounds and the Keurig Alta brewer.

“My journey has been shaped by a culture that empowers and opens doors,” Kafoury says. “The Rock-Walling philosophy has given me the confidence to take on challenges and drive my career forward. KDP doesn’t just foster growth, it sparks transformation.”

KDP Canada extended this same philosophy to the design of its new headquarters. With LEED certification and wellness features, such as a gym, stand-up desks, greenery and natural light, the new office encourages creativity and innovation — key elements that its leaders say fuel the company’s success.

It is also close to many great restaurants as well as public transportation, for which the company reimburses up to $100 each month. Thanks to the new location, the percentage of employees using public transportation has tripled. “I see the office as much more than just a workspace,” Lavoie says. “It’s a place where our values come to life every day.”

During the planning phase, employees involved in the Ambassador Program gathered feedback from colleagues about the layout and design features. “Employees truly shaped their future work environment. The finished product is a celebration of their vision coming to life,” Lavoie says.

Employees now sit in “neighbourhoods” rather than assigned desks, fostering a stronger sense of community. “It’s not just about the layout, it’s about creating deeper connections across teams and encouraging everyone to move beyond their function,” Lavoie says. “This arrangement helps employees get curious beyond their role and drives cross-functional collaboration.”

The location also strengthens KDP Canada’s connection to the community. “It’s reaffirming the importance that Montréal has for KDP Canada and how much we want to continue to grow close to our coffee roasting plant by selecting an office in the same borough and keep our relationship with this city that we’ve cherished for decades now,” Lavoie says.

Another way KDP Canada is deeply embedded in the community is through its philanthropy programs. Kafoury recently volunteered at the Canadian Red Cross (CRC), packaging emergency relief items. Her team also partnered with Walmart for a campaign in which a percentage of every Keurig brewer sold was donated to the CRC. The campaign raised $100,000 and resulted in a record number of Keurig brewers sold.

“At KDP, volunteerism is not just a way to give back, it’s also about team building and acting with purpose,” Kafoury says. “Through this, we build bonds, create collective impact and make a meaningful difference both inside and outside the organization.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Montreal’s Top Employers winners, published March 18, 2025 in the Montreal Gazette. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.