In the cultured dairy category, Greek-style is dominating yogurt, but it’s popping up in other cultured products as well. Plus, processors target healthier snacking opportunities and convenience.
The explosion of Greek-style has dominated the yogurt aisle for much of this year, including new introductions from Yoplait, Karoun Dairies, Dannon, Chobani and others.
This rapid growth in sales of Greek yogurt products is helping fuel growth in the overall yogurt category, according to Chicago-based Mintel. Retail sales of yogurt, including frozen products and yogurt drinks reached nearly $6.4 billion in 2011, up 7.5% from the year before, said Mintel. For instance, sales of Chobani brand Greek yogurts at food, drug and mass retailers (excluding Walmart) reached nearly $745 million in the 52 weeks ended May 13, 2012. That is a 105% increase from the year before, according to Mintel.