YOGURT HAS INCREASED SALES
By Adnews Staff
Retail sales of refrigerated yogurt south of the border grew to $2 billion(US) in 1994, according to a U.S. survey done by Find/SVP of New York. This is an increase of 9.1% from 1993. And the market research company says that will grow to $2.8 billion by 1999. Part of the reason for the continuing sales growth is the number of new yogurt products in 1994. One hundred and three new yogurt types came on the U.S. market during the year, an increase of 8.4% over 1993. The new varieties come in the form of new flavors, new product types such as those packaged with mix-ins, and new consistencies such as extra thick and creamy and drinkable. Other boosts to sales are yogurt's portability and convenience, and its image as a healthful food. The study also showed that 37% of U.S. adults eat yogurt. Almost 20% of people eat yogurt mixed with fruit by the manufacturer, while 12.5% eat it with fruit that is not already added. Another 7.3% eat flavored yogurt without fruit. College graduates are more likely to eat yogurt than people who are less educated, and more women than men eat it. The product is most likely to be consumed by people ages 35 to 44, with a slightly lower likelihood for those aged 18 to 35.