General Mills has announced the sale of its North American yogurt business to French dairy companies Lactalis and Sodiaal in cash transactions totaling $2.1 billion. Lactalis will acquire the U.S. operation, while Sodiaal will take over the Canadian business. The deals are expected to be finalized in 2025.
The sale of the yogurt business, which includes brands like Yoplait, Liberté, Go-Gurt, and Oui, along with manufacturing facilities in Tennessee, Michigan, and Québec, will allow General Mills to focus on faster-growing categories such as snacks and pet food. The North American yogurt business contributed $1.5 billion to General Mills’ net sales in fiscal 2024.
When General Mills acquired Yoplait more than a decade ago, it was a leading brand in the yogurt category. However, with the emergence of new yogurt varieties like Greek yogurt, Icelandic skyr, and plant-based options, Yoplait faced stiff competition. U.S. yogurt sales have remained stagnant at around $7 billion for the last decade, prompting General Mills to divest its yogurt business.
Jeff Harmening, General Mills’ CEO, stated that the sale is part of the company’s strategy to reshape its portfolio and focus on brands with stronger growth prospects. The proceeds from the transactions will be used for share repurchases.
Lactalis’ acquisition of Yoplait will further expand its presence in the U.S. dairy market. The French company previously acquired Stonyfield, Siggi’s, and brands from Kraft Heinz, solidifying its position in the organic and dairy sectors. By adding Yoplait to its portfolio, Lactalis aims to enhance its consumer offerings and strengthen its presence in the dairy industry.
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Lara Heller graduated from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands with a degree in New Media and Communication. During her studies, she specialized in digital media, social media strategies, and content creation. She participated in various digital media projects during her university years, focusing particularly on online journalism and media ethics. After graduation, Lara started working as a content strategist at one of Europe’s leading digital media agencies, where she developed campaigns that strengthened the digital presence of numerous international brands.
