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General Mills, Inc. is a United States–based company operating in the consumer staples sector within the packaged-food and consumer-goods industry.
It is one of the world’s largest producers of branded food products, with a broad portfolio spanning cereals, snacks, baking goods, refrigerated and frozen foods, dairy products, meal kits, natural and organic brands and premium pet food.
The company was established in 1928 through the consolidation of Washburn-Crosby Company and additional milling and food-manufacturing enterprises, reflecting a period of industrialization in food production and rising consumer demand for standardized, convenient products.
General Mills’ portfolio includes many globally recognized brands such as Cheerios, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Yoplait (through a joint venture), Häagen-Dazs (in markets outside the U.S.), Old El Paso, Annie’s and Blue Buffalo.
The company offers cereals, snack bars, baking mixes, refrigerated dough, frozen desserts, yogurt, Mexican-style meals, natural and organic products and premium pet food. Its strategy relies on innovation, product reformulation, packaging modernization, nutritional improvements and global brand development.
The company operates globally, with significant presence across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Its operational structure includes manufacturing plants, R&D centers, quality-control laboratories, supply-chain hubs, digital-commerce divisions, marketing operations and food-innovation test kitchens.
General Mills leverages integrated supply chains and global distribution networks to manage production and delivery across diverse markets.
Market forces affecting the company include agricultural commodity prices, consumer trends toward healthier and organic foods, evolving labeling regulations, inflation, pet-food market expansion, competition with global brands, retail-channel shifts, increased digital-commerce adoption, sustainability requirements and supply-chain resilience.
The company adapts to changes in consumer preferences, including rising demand for plant-based options, whole grains and functional foods.
General Mills, Inc.’s shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker GIS.
History and when General Mills, Inc. was founded
General Mills was officially founded in 1928 following the merger of Washburn-Crosby Company — a leading flour miller known for Gold Medal Flour — with several other milling and food companies.
The formation of the new corporation responded to structural changes in food manufacturing, where technological advances enabled large-scale production, improved food safety and expanding product lines.
In the 1930s and 1940s, General Mills broadened its business beyond flour, introducing baking products, ready-to-eat cereals and standardized packaged foods. It also invested in scientific research in food formulation, influencing industry practices.
The postwar economic boom supported strong sales growth, increased industrial capacity and expanded distribution.
From the 1950s through the 1970s, General Mills diversified its offerings, entered new product categories, expanded global operations and solidified its position as a household name in the U.S. food market. The company continued acquiring brands and developing marketing strategies for the growing packaged-food sector.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, General Mills expanded internationally, entered joint ventures, strengthened its yogurt and breakfast-cereal portfolios and invested in nutritional reformulation. The company adapted to evolving preferences for healthier foods, increasing options in whole grains, reduced sugar and organic categories.
In the 2000s, the company continued diversifying through acquisitions and brand extensions, including strengthening its global Häagen-Dazs presence and expanding Old El Paso.
In 2018, General Mills made a major strategic move by acquiring Blue Buffalo, entering the fast-growing premium pet-food market and broadening its long-term revenue base.
Between 2020 and 2024, General Mills navigated shifting consumer habits, increased reliance on at-home meals, supply-chain disruptions, inflationary pressures and the surge in digital grocery channels.
The company modernized operations, expanded omnichannel strategies, enhanced sustainability programs and invested in plant-based and organic product lines. Its pet-food division also gained prominence within its diversified mix.
By 2024, General Mills remained one of the world’s leading food manufacturers, with strong global brands, broad category presence and strategic emphasis on innovation, nutrition and operational resilience.
Additional Information
The Company General Mills Inc. (United States), is listed on NYSE with a market value of $ 24.51 Billions, having an equity of $ 9.33 Billions.
With a total of 35.000 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Basic Consumer Products and categorized in industry of Food Products.
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 18.78 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ 2.54 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 9.66, a P/BV ratio of 2.63 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of GIS was at 5.29%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker GIS.
