Dannon introduces Oikos Greek yogurt
Looking to maintain and expand its command of the local yogurt market, Dannon Co. introduced its popular Oikos Greek yogurt product line, which will replace the existing Dannon Greek brand in supermarket and store shelves. The uber-creamy treat is unique from other types of yogurt, and is part of a growing category, company officials said.
“We’ve been on a consistent growth curve for the past few years, even when the economy has been hit hard. We’ve seen double-digit growth over the past three years and we’ve already seen a 32 percent increase this year, versus last year,” said Dannon Brand Manager Marisa Pérez.
Furthermore, she said that Puerto Rico’s per-capita consumption of yogurt is about one-third of the U.S. mainland’s, so there is room for growth. While island consumers take in about 4.5 pounds of yogurt per year, U.S. residents go through 12 pounds per year.
“There’s great potential to grow the category and you do that through innovation,” she said.
Oikos is made with a traditional Greek straining process that, not only provides exceptional taste, but also creates a creamy-thick consistency unique from other types of yogurt. It provides 25 percent less lactose, 15 percent of the recommended calcium daily allowance, has two live and active yogurt cultures and less fat than sour cream, cream cheese, whipped cream and mayonnaise, which makes Oikos an excellent alternative for healthy recipes.
Angel Torres
“We have a chance to expand yogurt consumption patterns, because this one can be used for cooking, something that fits into the goal of expanding the per capita consumption, while catering to consumers who are more aware of their nutrition and well-being,” said Angel Torres, head of Plaza Provision, which distributes the product.
Oikos fat-free Greek yogurt is a source of protein, with twice the amount of regular low-fat yogurts. At just 80 to 130 calories, depending on the flavor, Oikos is an ideal snack. The product is available in strawberry, blueberry, vanilla, honey, peach, key lime and plain.
In Puerto Rico, if I’m not mistaken the Oikos brand was sold in supermarkets and health food stores before Dannon came on board. So I suppose that Dannon acquired the brand and did a relaunching, right?
The OIKOS brand has been available in the market for a while under the Stonyfield flag, which is a sister company to Dannon. The main difference between the two is that every product under the Stonyfield brand is organic, whereas Dannon is not. In other words, we will still have available OIKOS Greek yogurt organic, and now the non organic version with Dannon.
And to clarify, Dannon already had a Greek yogurt called exactly like that…. Dannon Greek. Now they are relaunching that product under the OIKOS umbrella to create synergy between their organic (Stonyfield) and non-organic (Dannon) proposition.