Financial News

Ten years ago the word probiotics wasn’t known, and five years ago it was a new word to most Americans. But thanks to the marketing of Activia yogurt by Dannon, which started in 2006, these microorganisms have garnered national attention. After Activia took the dairy market by storm, other foods fortified with probiotics, as well as probiotic supplements, followed suit.



Total U.S. beauty sales may be trending similar in the mass and prestige channels but with different drivers, according to market research provider the NPD Group.


Momentum in the beer category is coming from craft beers. “Craft beers are growing at a 10% clip,” said Eric Shepard, executive editor of Beer Marketer’s Insights. “Seasonals and variety packs are the big news, and Indiana Pale Ales are very hot right now.” 


PARIS — General Mills now has a 51% stake in Yoplait S.A.S. and a 50% interest in a related entity that holds the worldwide Yoplait brands, the company announced Friday.

General Mills acquired the ownership stakes from Europe-based private equity firm PAI Partners and Sodiaal, the largest dairy cooperative in France, for about $1.2 billion. With this transaction, Yoplait will be governed by a supervisory board with representation from General Mills and Sodiaal, as the remaining ownership stakes in both entities will continue to be held by Sodiaal.

NEW YORK — Children are hurt more from falls in the home than any other kind of home accident; falls cause more than 3 million childhood injuries every year, according to the Home Safety Council. That was one driver behind the growth in first aid accessories in the summer months — for the 12 weeks ended May 15, sales of overall accessories were up 3.4% to $257.7 million across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart), according to SymphonyIRI Group. Sales of first aid kits across that period were up 15.4% to $5.4 million.


The vitamin D category continues to grow. Category leader Nature Made from Pharmavite is on the cusp of launching a host of new products, including a Super D-Complex with magnesium, vitamin D chewable tablets and vitamin D with vitamin C and zinc.


Greater consumer awareness of the dangers of the sun’s harmful rays and greater product innovation are spelling growth in the sun care market. And, as the industry wades through the recently issued regulations by the Food and Drug Administration, new innovative products for both children and adults hit the pipeline, which is likely to mean further growth.


Yogurt and yogurt drinks have become a powerhouse category, with Greek-style yogurts boosting category sales. Mintel International Group estimated that category sales reached $4.4 billion across all three channels in 2010, and there is still room for growth.