I was strolling past the Wegmans dairy case the other day looking to toss a few yogurts in the grocery cart. I was looking for Chobani, but I was also considering other brands like Oikos or Wegmans own that my wife favors. The scan across the cooler brought the realization that nearly all of the yogurt in stock is labeled Greek. What a change from a few years ago.
Greek yogurt uses more milk, it has more protein and also has a more distinct flavor compared to standard yogurt. You remember the kind that could almost bounce out of the tiny plastic container. The exciting part of the Greek yogurt craze is this - much of it is made in New York State.
That led Governor Cuomo to call for a yogurt summit today. Or is that Yogurt Summit! It sounded silly, but it was serious business. The governor does not want to let the Greek yogurt boom slip from New York's fingers. Already Chobani, based in Norwich, is buildng a plant in the midwest. They are making the move partly to be close to a bigger dairy supply, but also customers on the other side of the country.
I said tonight in our Talk at Ten segment on the 10:00 News that Greek yogurt will not be able to sustain its current growth beyond another five years. At that point we will be fortunate for it to continue as a strong health business, but it won't be as explosive.
It is delicious and New York farmers, businesses and workers should take as big of a scoop as they can while it's a product on the rise.
Any questions or comment please forward them to mattsmemo@CNYcentral.com. I may even use some of your thoughts on NBC 3 News at 5:00, the 10:00 News on CW6 or on CNYcentral.com.
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