Unilever Acquires Yasso
Unilever will acquire the U.S. Greek yogurt brand Yasso Holdings, helping it expand its presence in the premium dessert market.
The acquisition is part of Unilever’s Ice Cream Business Group and will join its portfolio of premium brands like Magnum, Talenti, and Ben & Jerry’s.
The U.S. frozen dessert market was valued at $30.95 billion in 2021, according to Grand View Research, which noted that new product launches have helped drive the market, including innovations in yogurt, gelato, custard, granita, ice cream, and sherbet. An annual growth rate of 4.6% is expected from 2022 to 2030.
Founded in 2009, Yasso has become an industry innovator in convenient frozen snacks, including high-quality, low-calorie, yet fulfilling products. Their snacks connect with the growing demand in North America for healthier on-the-go snack options, with their current line of snacks containing less than 150 calories.
The company said last fall it had exceeded $200 million in retail sales.
"We are forever grateful for the team members, consumers, and business partners who supported us along this entrepreneurial journey,” said Amanda Klane and Drew Harrington, co-founders of Yasso, in a statement. “With Unilever, we have selected the best partner in the world, who believes in Yasso's vision and purpose of spreading joy to consumers everywhere.”
The acquisition will officially close during the third quarter of 2023, subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
“This acquisition is a great step in the evolution of our ice cream portfolio in North America towards high growth spaces,” said Matt Close, president of ice cream with Unilever. “I am confident that with the full support of Unilever behind Yasso, we will take this fast-growing business to even greater heights.”
The move will bolster's Unilever's existing efforts to further is ice cream influence. The company last year launched a launched a digital tool that enabled retailers to restock their ice cream products as needed. They also initiated a number of pilots that included smart freezers that monitor stock levels, a chatbot feature to communicate inventory needs, and location data-optimized delivery.
