As the dairy checkoff’s partnership lead for General Mills, my role is to foster a relationship that fuels dairy innovation. Our mission is clear: we aim to introduce new dairy products that excite consumers and seamlessly integrate into their lives. Our collaboration with General Mills is pivotal in redefining what dairy can be.
General Mills has been an invaluable ally in our efforts to spark excitement around dairy through innovative ideas. We continually leverage General Mills’ expertise in branding and operational capabilities to open new doors for the dairy category.
At Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), we see ourselves as a bridge between dairy science, health and wellness trends and consumer insights. Our partnership with General Mills exemplifies how these elements can come together to shape the future of dairy.
The challenge was to create something that appeals to kids and moms. Tweens seek on-the-go, shareable snacks that are more indulgent, while moms still want nutritious options for their children. This balance is where YoBark excels. We worked with General Mills to develop a fun, “pop-able” snack that’s filled with the goodness of yogurt. It’s perfect for after school or gaming with friends – shareable, portable and, importantly, a more nutritious alternative to the salty snacks that dominate the tween snack aisle.
YoBark launched in October and is available nationwide at retailers such as Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel and Walmart. This product pushes dairy into new a territory – snacking – helping us engage with younger generations and broadening dairy’s role beyond traditional breakfast or dessert occasions.
What makes this partnership so impactful is how we approach innovation. General Mills brings operational expertise, branding knowledge and deep consumer understanding. On our side, DMI offers product development expertise and critical insights from the dairy industry, including the science behind dairy’s health benefits and emerging consumer trends.
The health and wellness space, in particular, is an exciting area. As consumer demand for wellness products grows, we are exploring new ways to incorporate dairy into these conversations. One area of potential is weight management and overall wellness. There’s increasing interest in dairy’s role in health, especially its high-quality protein content and nutrient density. By working with General Mills, we’re exploring opportunities to meet consumers’ health goals with dairy-based products.
Our collaboration with General Mills also extends to other brands, such as :ratio and Oui. :ratio focuses on the right balance of nutrients for different consumer needs, and we’re eager to explore new ways to elevate this brand. We’re also paying attention to the premium yogurt space, especially with Oui, a French-style yogurt. Premiumization in yogurt is a trend aligning with consumer preferences for indulgent yet health-conscious options.
Our ultimate goal is to keep dairy at the forefront of the evolving consumer landscape, ensuring it remains an essential part of conversations around health, wellness and nutrition. Whether through innovations like YoBark or by leveraging scientific research, we are committed to ensuring dairy continues to meet the changing needs of today’s consumers.
This collaboration with General Mills reinforces that innovation is not just about creating something new; it’s about creating something that truly resonates with people and adds value to their lives. With partners like General Mills, the dairy checkoff is excited to continue driving dairy innovation forward, one product at a time.
To learn more about your national dairy checkoff, visit www.dairycheckoff.org or to reach us directly, send an email.
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