The Split Ownership of Yoplait
For decades, the simple question of who owns Yoplait would have pointed to the American food giant, General Mills. However, that is no longer the case. The ownership structure is now a complex, multi-part arrangement following major business transactions in recent years. The original owner, French dairy cooperative Sodiaal, has reacquired exclusive ownership in some markets, while another French dairy giant, Lactalis, has taken over the important U.S. market.
Yoplait's Global Parent: Sodiaal
At the core of the Yoplait brand lies the French dairy cooperative, Sodiaal. Sodiaal is a massive agricultural cooperative representing thousands of French dairy farmers. Yoplait was created in 1965 by a merger of six French dairy cooperatives, which later became part of Sodiaal. Sodiaal has always maintained an ownership stake in the brand and now, more than ever, controls its international direction. In 2021, Sodiaal reacquired full ownership of the Yoplait brand in Europe and took full control of its Canadian operations in January 2025. Sodiaal also retains exclusive ownership of the Yoplait brand name globally.
The North American Market Split
While Sodiaal reclaimed its European and Canadian operations, the North American market underwent its own significant change. For nearly 50 years, General Mills controlled the rights to Yoplait in the U.S. and Canada. This era ended in 2025 with two distinct sales:
- United States: In June 2025, General Mills finalized the sale of its U.S. yogurt business, including the rights to the Yoplait brand, to Lactalis. This move allowed General Mills to focus on other core areas of its business, while Lactalis expanded its already large U.S. dairy presence.
- Canada: Following a separate deal, General Mills sold its Canadian yogurt business to Sodiaal in January 2025. This brought the Canadian operations back under the control of Yoplait's foundational cooperative.
The Yogurt Wars and General Mills' Retreat
The shift in Yoplait's ownership marks the end of an era defined by intense competition in the U.S. yogurt market. In the 2010s, General Mills struggled to respond effectively to the rise of Greek yogurt, championed by brands like Chobani. This led to a significant erosion of Yoplait's market share, prompting General Mills to reassess its strategy. Analysts noted that the yogurt category had become challenging with slowing growth and thin profit margins. Ultimately, selling off the yogurt business was seen as a positive move, allowing General Mills to refocus on more profitable ventures. The sale to Lactalis was the culmination of this strategic divestment.
Ownership Structure: Before vs. After
| Feature | Ownership Before 2025 (North America) | Ownership After 2025 (North America) |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | General Mills (North America), Sodiaal (international majority) | Lactalis (U.S.), Sodiaal (Canada and international) |
| Market Control | General Mills controlled U.S. and Canadian manufacturing and distribution. | Lactalis controls U.S. operations and manufacturing plants. Sodiaal controls Canadian operations. |
| Brand Rights | Yoplait brand rights were licensed to General Mills in North America, with Sodiaal holding global ownership. | Sodiaal retains exclusive ownership of the brand worldwide, with a new licensing agreement for Lactalis in the U.S.. |
| Primary Motivation | General Mills dominated the U.S. market but faced declining sales and competition. | General Mills divested to focus on more profitable business segments. Lactalis gained significant market share in the U.S. yogurt category. |
How Ownership Affects Consumers
For the average consumer, the change in ownership may not immediately alter the taste, packaging, or availability of Yoplait products. However, it signifies a major shift in corporate strategy and market dynamics. Under Lactalis's ownership, the U.S. Yoplait business will operate under a company whose core focus is dairy. This could mean a renewed push for innovation and investment in the brand within the U.S. market, potentially leading to new product lines or changes in existing ones. In Canada, with Sodiaal's direct control, there may be a reinforced focus on local sourcing and the brand's French heritage.
Conclusion In summary, the ownership of Yoplait is a story of a global brand with a split identity. The French dairy cooperative Sodiaal owns the brand name internationally and now controls the European and Canadian operations. Meanwhile, the French dairy giant Lactalis has purchased General Mills' U.S. yogurt business, including the rights to produce and sell Yoplait in the U.S. market. These recent changes finalize a long-term strategic retreat for General Mills from the yogurt category, handing the reins to companies with a dedicated focus on dairy. The next chapter for Yoplait will be written by two different companies, each with a distinct vision for the classic yogurt brand.
For further reading on the transaction, see this article from Dairy Processing: French dairy company to acquire Yoplait’s European business
