General Mills is a multinational food company that specializes in manufacturing and marketing branded consumer foods. It was founded on June 20, 1856, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, by Cadwallader C. Washburn, James Ford Bell, and John Crosby. The company started as a flour milling company and gradually expanded its operations to include other food products. Today, General Mills produces and sells a wide range of food products including cereal, yogurt, snacks, baking mixes, frozen foods, and pet food.
General Mills has a strong global presence and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. Some of its popular brands include Cheerios, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Haagen-Dazs, Yoplait, and Nature Valley. The company's products are sold through various retail channels such as grocery stores, mass merchandisers, convenience stores, and e-commerce platforms.
General Mills went public in 1928, with shares of its stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The company has a long history of steady growth, and over the years, it has expanded both organically and through acquisitions. Some of its major acquisitions include the Pillsbury Company in 2001 and Blue Buffalo Pet Products in 2018.
In recent years, General Mills has made efforts to adapt to changing consumer preferences and to meet growing demand for healthier and more sustainable food options. The company has set sustainability goals and has committed to reducing its environmental impact by conserving natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
General Mills has also focused on diversifying its product portfolio and expanding into new markets. In 2021, the company announced plans to acquire Tyson Foods' pet treats business, which will strengthen its position in the fast-growing pet food market.