French dairy firm Danone and US-based coffee retailer Starbucks Coffee have entered into an agreement to offer a jointly created and developed selection of new specialty yogurt products in participating Starbucks outlets.
This move will boost Danone's ambition to expand yogurt consumption in the US, while growing Starbucks offerings under its Evolution Fresh brand.
Under the deal, a new range of nutritious Evolution Fresh, Inspired by Dannon- branded
ready-to-eat Parfait Greek yogurt products will be developed by the two companies. The products will be offered by Starbucks through its stores in spring 2014, and Danone in grocery channels in 2015.
Danone and Starbucks will seek additional ways to leverage joint opportunities across other products in the future.
Danone chief executive officer Franck Riboud said that with a fast-growing but still low penetration of the yogurt category, the US remains a key growth opportunity for Danone.
"We believe this attraction will be further enhanced by our new access to millions of consumers through distribution in Starbucks stores, as well as through the addition of an exciting new brand, Evolution Fresh, inspired by Dannon."
