Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc., the parent company of Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins, named Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group the 2017 Dunkin’ Brands Vendor of the Year at a recent awards ceremony in Las Vegas.

This award is given annually to a vendor that has accomplished significant results for Dunkin’ Brands’ goals. These goals include bringing substantial value to Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins franchisees and licensees, generating at least one innovative process, procedure, project and/or product that delivered value to the Dunkin’ and/or Baskin-Robbins systems, and demonstrating consistent, superior execution on day-to-day deliverables. The award recognizes MZB’s work done in the calendar year 2017.

Dunkin’ Brands came to MZB Group to respond to its European market needs for an international espresso. Massimo Zanetti’s unique capabilities and market insights enabled the development, production and market introduction of a new Dunkin’ International Espresso Blend.

“This project is a textbook example of what we value in our Vendor of the Year,” said Pete Jensen, vice president, supply chain international for Dunkin’ Brands. “When vendors go above and beyond, as MZB Group has, they become our trusted allies and extended members of our internal teams. Outside of the immediate Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins family, it is the highest honor we give.”

“For years, MZB-USA, the North American headquarters of MZB Group, has supported us with coffee roasting and production. But their speed in responding to market trends, global reach and resources truly demonstrate what makes MZB Group a valued partner in serving our customers both in the U.S. and internationally,” Jensen added.

“Naturally, we’re honored to be recognized with this award from our valued partner,” said John Boyle, president and chief executive officer of MZB-USA. “We cherish our close working relationships with all of the Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins teams and are pleased that we can support them when they need us most.”

“MZB Group’s experience in recognizing innovative trends and taking concepts to commercialization sets us apart. Additionally, our global reach with 18 roasting facilities around the world distinguishes us and gives us the ability to execute quickly and efficiently for our customers,” said Jean-Tristan Villa, director of major accounts and wholesalers for MZB Group’s operating company, Segafredo Zanetti France.

“Coffee is an exciting category with new trends and new formats emerging faster than ever before,” according to Charlie Cortellini, vice president for research and development with MZB-USA. “Dunkin’ was looking for an efficient way to fulfill the company’s Tree-to-Cup Quality Assurance program in Europe. Identifying a global supplier that could support product development and production as well as get innovations to market fast was crucial.”

For more information about MZB Group and MZB-USA, visit www.mzb-usa.com.