Starbucks has announced a partnership with Danone to create yogurt products labeled with the Starbucks-owned Evolution Fresh brand.
The yogurt, dubbed “Evolution Fresh, inspired by Dannon,” will be sold in Starbucks stores by 2014 and will hit major grocery stores by 2015.
The first co-created product will be a ready-to-eat Greek yogurt parfait.
Starbucks’ foray into yogurt is part of a strategic plan devised several years ago by Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz to evolve the nation’s leading coffee chain into a better-for-you brand. Schultz wants Starbucks products to be as frequently purchased at a grocery store as a Starbucks store.
The plan puts the recently acquired Evolution Fresh brand into the spotlight and moves it firmly and strategically beyond the juice business. Starbucks also has recently expanded into the tea business via its purchase of Teavana and into the fine pastry business with its purchase of La Boulange.
Source: USA Today