General Mills (NYSE:GIS) (NYSE: GIS) is a leading global food company specializing in branded consumer foods. Founded in 1866 as the Washburn Crosby Company and reorganized under the General Mills name in 1928, the company has built a diverse portfolio of products that span breakfast cereals, baking mixes, snacks and refrigerated dough. Its iconic brands include Cheerios, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Nature Valley and Yoplait yogurt, each marketed through extensive retail channels.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, General Mills operates across multiple regions, with major market presence in North America, Europe, Latin America and the Asia Pacific. The business is organized into segments covering North American retail, North American foodservice, Europe and Australia, and Asia and Latin America, enabling tailored strategies for local consumer preferences. Products are distributed through grocery stores, mass merchandisers, convenience outlets and e-commerce platforms, supported by a global supply chain network.
In recent years, General Mills has expanded beyond traditional grocery aisles through acquisitions such as Blue Buffalo Pet Products in 2018, bolstering its pet nutrition offerings. The company has also focused on innovation in health-oriented and minimally processed foods, responding to evolving dietary trends. Its research and development efforts aim to enhance nutritional profiles while maintaining the taste and quality consumers expect from established brands.
Under the leadership of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey L. Harmening, General Mills emphasizes operational efficiency and sustainability. The company has set goals for responsible sourcing, waste reduction and carbon footprint mitigation across its operations. Through brand-building, targeted innovation and global expansion, General Mills seeks to maintain its position as a premier supplier of everyday foods that meet diverse consumer needs.
