Sales of Yoplait dropped 3% to $1.312 billion in the year ended May 25, 2014, General Mills reported today.
But in a presentation, the company said yogurt finished the year with “clear momentum.” Citing Nielsen data, the company said its dollar share of the Greek yogurt segment was 9% in January 2014 and 10% in February through May. In calendar year 2013, it was 8.5%. Sales of its Original Style Yoplait rose every month in 2014 (with gains of 10% in March and in May), ending up 2% greater in the fiscal year. For calendar year 2013, sales dropped 6%.The company said growing sales of yogurt is a priority in the year ahead.
Net sales for General Mills as a whole rose just 1% to $17.9 billion. The Snacks and the Small Planet Foods divisions each saw sales rise 6%. Sales in the Big G Cereals division were unchanged, and those in Baking Products, Frozen Foods and Meals declined.
In April, IRI named Yoplait Greek 100 a “New Product Pacesetter.” The product recorded sales of $135.1 million in 2013.
As reported in February, “Yoplait yogurts are part of General Mills’ big new product launch this year.” The company said it would introduce more than 50 new items in the United States and dozens more rolling out in international markets.
Watch a video about trends in yogurt, including Yoplait's new dessert products.