By Chicago Tribune
SEATTLE -- Starbucks is getting in on the multimillion-dollar Greek yogurt boom.
The Seattle-based coffee chain has partnered with package-food giant Danone to develop a line of Greek yogurt parfaits that will be rolled out in the coffee chain's U.S. stores next spring.
The parfait, to be known as “Evolution Fresh, Inspired by Danon,” will also be distributed through Danone's grocery channels in 2015. The company is looking at international expansion to follow.
"Starbucks is committed to evolving and enhancing our customer experience with innovative and wholesome food offerings," Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said in a statement. "We ... believe a strategic agreement with Danone, the world leader in fresh dairy products, affords us the perfect opportunity to grow and elevate the Evolution Fresh brand both in our stores and in CPG channels."
For Starbucks, the move signals an expansion of the Evolution Fresh brand. Acquired for $30 million in 2011, Starbucks described the move at the time as a step into the $50 billion health and wellness category.