Starbucks entering yogurt business in deal with Dannon

Seattle -- Starbucks Coffee Company is entering the yogurt business. The company announced it has entered into a strategic agreement with the makers of Dannon to offer a jointly created and developed selection of specialty yogurt products in participating Starbucks stores and in grocery channels.



The line, branded as Evolution Fresh, Inspired by Dannon, will feature ready-to-eat Parfait Greek yogurt products co-created by Starbucks and Danone for exclusive distribution in the U.S. Starbucks will offer the products through its stores in spring 2014, and Danone (makers of Dannon) in grocery channels in 2015.



Distribution is planned to be extended to include targeted markets around the world in a second phase that builds upon the success of the U.S. initiative.



“Starbucks is committed to evolving and enhancing our customer experience with innovative and wholesome food offerings. Today’s announcement underscores this commitment through the transformation of our existing yogurt offerings and our multi-year agreement with Danone,” said Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman, president and CEO.