The 'Secretive' German Company That Owns Krispy Kreme And Panera Bread

Chances are that you know about Krispy Kreme but have you ever heard of JAB Holding Company? Probably not, unless you are deep into the world of global investment firms. In the same way that a beverage company secretly owns Johnnie Walker, JAB Holding Co. is a German conglomerate that owns a number of businesses, including companies like Panera Bread, which it acquired in 2017 for $7.5 billion, according to Forbes. JAB Holding's key areas of investment include fast casual restaurants like Panera and its indulgence category — where Krispy Kreme falls. As of 2024, Krispy Kreme boasted more than 14,100 stores across 39 countries, per CNBC. Panera, on the other hand, is limited to only the U.S. and Canada, though the chain boasts over 2,224 locations in the U.S. alone.

Other JAB investments include pet care and pet insurance, as well as beauty and luxury products. While so many chain restaurants are struggling to keep their doors open, JAB is cornering the market with Einstein Bros. Bagels, Caribou Coffee, Bruegger's Bagels, Peet's Coffee, and Au Bon Pain. With a diversification so vast, JAB Holding Co. has been able to expand their business so that even if one facet starts to fail, another one ends up being profitable.

On particular category of investment that JAB Holding Co. has domain over is the coffee and beverages market. While some consumers might debate whether to purchase a cup of brew from Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks for a better deal, JAB Holding Co. has snatched up nearly every other coffee and bakery brand around. This goes beyond coffee shops away from home to include inside a home as well — with ownership of Keurig coffee makers and Green Mountain coffee.

However, it's more than just coffee that JAB Holding Co. is interested in. Investopedia documented that, in 2018, JAB acquired the Dr. Pepper Snapple group for $21 billion following its $13.7 billion buyout of Keurig Green Mountain in 2015. The company now has a 10% ownership of Keurig Dr Pepper Inc, including stock that is estimated to be valued at more than $9.8 billion, per GuruFocus.

There are plenty of other businesses that JAB Holding Co. might eventually set its sights on, but for now, the company seems to be honing in on the casual dining experience, brewing up profits in the process. For a company that used to sell high-end fashion brand names like Jimmy Choo, the company's turn towards the edible market seems to be feeding JAB Holding Co. very well.