US speciality coffee company Reborn Coffee has entered into a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with beverage and distribution company Visvita to expand its franchise supply chain and develop a co-branded ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage range.

The non-binding agreement will combine Reborn Coffee’s coffee brand and roasting platform with Visvita’s production, supplier and logistics infrastructure across the US and Mexico.

Under the proposed partnership, Reborn plans to route franchise supply volumes through Visvita’s existing production and logistics network rather than develop its own infrastructure. The companies said this could support Reborn’s expansion across North America and international markets while improving supply chain efficiency.

The companies are also assessing opportunities to connect Visvita’s distribution footprint and local partner network in Mexico with Reborn’s Latin American franchise supply chain.

The aim is to expand franchise supply and product distribution across Mexico and other Latin American markets using Visvita’s established channels.

Reborn said the arrangement could reduce the time required to establish supply operations in the region while supporting the transition of its franchise network.

Alongside the supply chain plans, Reborn and Visvita intend to develop a co-branded RTD beverage portfolio under the name “Visvita Reborn”.

The range is expected to target US on- and off-premise retail channels, spanning independent retailers, larger-scale retail and online distribution.

Visvita currently has supplier relationships with US retailers, which the companies plan to leverage as part of the RTD rollout.

Michael Aminpour, CEO of Visvita, and Daniel Aminpour, director, have been appointed as Head Sales Advisory Leads to support Reborn’s global franchise expansion and RTD plans.

Jung Jae Lim, CEO of Reborn Coffee, said: “Visvita provides us distribution and production infrastructure that would otherwise take years and significant capital for us to build independently. By combining our brand and roasting platform with their robust supplier network in the US and Mexico, we can scale franchise supply and enter the RTD category through channels already open to us.”

The companies also intend to continue discussions around potential strategic investment arrangements.

However, the MOU is non-binding and does not require either party to enter into definitive agreements. Reborn said there is no assurance that the proposed agreements or initiatives will ultimately be implemented on the terms outlined.

Reborn Coffee is a California-based speciality coffee retailer focused on artisanal coffee and international expansion. Visvita operates as a beverage and distribution company with supplier relationships and distribution networks across retail channels in the US.