Lactalis has wasted no time in establishing its presence, opening a new office in Minnetonka to manage its newly acquired portfolio. As part of the acquisition, approximately 1,000 General Mills employees have transitioned to Lactalis, along with the associated manufacturing facilities. This seamless integration aims to leverage existing operational expertise while injecting Lactalis’s global dairy insights into the North American market, impacting regional dairy economics.

General Mills, once a dominant force in the U.S. yogurt landscape, had notably struggled to maintain its market share in recent years. The rise of Greek yogurt and other innovative product categories posed significant competitive challenges that General Mills found difficult to counter effectively. This sale reflects a strategic divestment by General Mills to streamline its portfolio and focus on other core businesses.

Conversely, Lactalis, with its extensive global expertise in the dairy industry, is poised to revitalize these well-known brands. The company’s strategy involves substantial investment in both innovation and manufacturing capabilities, aiming to re-energize Yoplait, Go-Gurt, and Mountain High. This move underscores Lactalis’s commitment to expanding its footprint and leadership in the North American dairy products segment.