General Mills Backs Organic Push in Fresh Pet Food, But M&A Still on Table

As General Mills continues to expand its pet food footprint, the company is leaning heavily on organic growth, particularly in the fast-growing fresh pet food category, while still keeping mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as an option.

During an earnings call on June 25, Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Harmening emphasized that General Mills’ approach to category expansion is a deliberate balance between building from within and acquiring where necessary.

Harmening argued that General Mills believes it has the right investment profile

General Mills Announces Plans to Remove Certified Colors from All US Cereals

General Mills today announced plans to remove certified colors from all its U.S. cereals and all foods served in K-12 schools by summer 2026. Additionally, the company will work to remove certified colors from its full U.S. retail portfolio by the end of 2027.

For nearly 160 years, General Mills has been providing families quality, great-tasting products across its beloved portfolio of brands.

This change impacts only a small portion of General Mills' K-12 school portfolio

General Mills Enters Growing Ramen Space with Latest Launch

Instant ramen noodles have long been a pantry staple in kitchens across the country. Recently, it has exploded on TikTok, with over 174 million posts showcasing creative recipes and new twists on the classic dish.

The enduring popularity of ramen is no surprise since it's affordable, comforting, and convenient, while still offering plenty of room for culinary creativity.

The internet buzzed in January when news broke that General Mills would be entering the instant ramen market.

Next month, the company will...

General Mills Sells Canadian Yogurt Business 

General Mills has sold its Canadian Yogurt Business to the French dairy cooperative Sodiaal, the US firm said. The deal includes the Canadian operations of several yogurt brands including Yoplait and Liberté, as well as a manufacturing facility in Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, it said.  

General Mills is also in the process of selling its US Yogurt business to French firm Lactalis. The sale “will close in calendar 2025,” it said, but adding it was subject to regulatory approvals. 

The sale of both businesses for a combined amount of $2.1 billion was announced...

Totino’s Pizza Rolls Announces Big Game Ad Debut; General Mills Returns to Football’s Biggest Night

On February 9, Totino’s Pizza Rolls will tackle the 2025 Big Game with a touchdown-worthy debut. For the first time, football fans will see Totino’s Pizza Rolls in prime time on sport’s biggest night, marking General Mills’ return to the Big Game after more than a decade.

This announcement underscores General Mills’ continued investment in building iconic brands, making everyone’s favorite epic and snackable pizza bites the first in the frozen pizza category to advertise in the Big Game...

General Mills Announces Agreements to Sell Its North American Yogurt Business to Lactalis and Sodiaal

General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to sell its North American Yogurt business to Lactalis and Sodiaal, two leading French dairy companies, in cash transactions valued at an aggregate $2.1 billion USD. Following the completion of the transactions, the U.S. and Canadian businesses will operate independently, with Lactalis acquiring the U.S. business and Sodiaal acquiring the Canadian business. The proposed transactions are expected to close in calendar 2025, subject to receipt of requisite regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

The divestitures encompass the U.S. and Canada operations of several yogurt brands including...

General Mills Names Asheesh Saksena Chief Strategy & Growth Officer

General Mills today announced Asheesh Saksena has been named Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, effective Aug. 26, 2024. He will report to Jeff Harmening, Chairman and CEO, join the Senior Leadership Team, and have global accountability for the company's comprehensive strategic planning process and for building long-term, sustainable plans and capabilities to accelerate growth. Saksena succeeds Dana McNabb, following her prior appointment to Group President, North America Retail.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Asheesh to General Mills,” said Harmening. “Over the course of his career, Asheesh has consistently demonstrated...