Stonyfield Launches YoKids Greek -- First Organic Greek Yogurt Specially Crafted for Kids Has Great Taste and Packs More Protein

LONDONDERRY, N.H., Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Stonyfield, the world's leading organic yogurt maker, today announced YoKids Greek yogurt, the first organic Greek yogurt specially crafted for kids' choosy palates.  Offered in two kid-friendly flavors, Raspberry and Strawberry, it has the extra protein kids need to power through their busy day with mild flavors and no mouth-puckering tang.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120208/NE50159 )

Alongside the launch of YoKids Greek, the YoKids brand announced that it is collaborating with Universal Partnerships & Licensing (UP&L) to support the release of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's highly anticipated 3D CG feature Dr. Seuss' The Lorax with an engaging online campaign that embraces the environmental message of the animated adventure.   A Lorax-themed game, coupons, and a sweepstakes will be featured on the new YoKids website at www.yokidsyogurt.com.

According to Stonyfield's Co-Founder and Chairman Gary Hirshberg, "Stonyfield has been creating delicious, organic yogurts for kids for nearly 20 years – in fact a whole generation has grown up on YoKids yogurt.  And with the explosion in popularity of Greek yogurt over the past few years, including our own Stonyfield Organic Oikos brand, we knew it was time that kids had their own special protein-packed snack that is both tasty and nutritious."

As the only organic Greek yogurt for kids, YoKids Greek provides families a quality product produced without the use of toxic persistent pesticides, antibiotics, growth hormones, genetically engineered ingredients, or artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.

YoKids Greek organic yogurt is thick, creamy and packed with 6 grams of protein.  It's also an excellent source of calcium and made with low-fat organic milk.

"Greek yogurt is an excellent option for kids at meal-time or snack-time because it's high in protein and calcium while low in fat. It's also easy to take on the go and perfect for lunchboxes," added America's Pediatrician, Dr. Bill Sears. "Americans have embraced the Greek yogurt trend, savoring its great taste and health benefits, so it's wonderful to see Stonyfield create an organic line just for growing kids!" 

YoKids Greek organic yogurts are available nationwide in Strawberry and Raspberry 4-packs with a suggested retail price of $2.89.  YoKids Greek joins the popular existing YoKids yogurt line-up, which includes YoKids lowfat organic yogurt 4-packs (Strawberry, Strawberry/Banana, and Strawberry Vanilla/Blueberry) with a suggested price of $3.69 and 8-pack YoKids Squeezers (Strawberry and Cherry/Berry) with a suggested price of $3.69.

YoKids Makes a Splash Online

Beginning this month, YoKids partners with the 3D CG feature Dr. Seuss' The Lorax.  At www.yokidsyogurt.com, kids may play and engage with the Lorax characters, as well as read tips about taking care of the planet.  This is also a place for adults to sign up for their family to receive coupons, seed packets, and register to win a private screening of the film, as well as a garden for their community. 

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax opens nationwide on March 2nd, and the game and sweepstakes will run through the end of April.  The campaign will be supported through on-pack stickers on all YoKids yogurt packs, as well as 4 million Stonyfield adult yogurt cup lids.  Stonyfield will also distribute co-branded Dr. Seuss' The Lorax signage to 500 participating retail accounts and support the program through social media and e-mail blasts.

YoKids will also be launching its own Facebook page this month at http://www.facebook.com/yokidsyogurt with a sweepstakes to win coupons and grand prizes of up to $2,000 worth of organic groceries.  This new page will join the already popular Stonyfield and YoBaby Facebook pages and will provide a place for families to learn about organic, kid-centric topics, and healthy lunch ideas. 

For more information about YoKids, visit us at www.yokidsyogurt.com or find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/yokidsyogurt.

About Stonyfield

Stonyfield, celebrating its 28th year, is the world's leading organic yogurt company.  Its certified organic yogurt, smoothies, milk, cultured soy, frozen yogurt and ice cream are distributed nationally.  The company advocates that healthy food can only come from a healthy planet.  Its use of organic ingredients helps keep over 200,000 farm acres free of toxic, persistent pesticides and chemical fertilizers known to contaminate soil, drinking water and food.  To help reduce climate change, Stonyfield offsets all of the CO2 emissions generated from its facility energy use.  The company also started a nonprofit called Climate Counts (climatecounts.org) which shows people how they can help fight climate change by the way they shop and invest.  Stonyfield also donates 10% of its profits to efforts that help protect and restore the Earth.  For more information about Stonyfield Farm, its products and initiatives, visit www.stonyfield.com or follow Stonyfield on Twitter @Stonyfield and @StonyfieldBiz, and on Facebook www.facebook.com/StonyfieldFarm.

About Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

From the creators of Despicable Me and the imagination of Dr. Seuss comes the 3D CG feature Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, an adaptation of the classic tale of a forest creature who shares the enduring power of hope.  The animated adventure follows the journey of a 12-year-old as he searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams.  To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world. 

Danny DeVito lends his vocal talents to the iconic title character of the Lorax, while Ed Helms voices the enigmatic Once-ler.  Also bringing their talents to the film are global superstars Zac Efron as Ted, the idealistic youth who searches for the Lorax, and Taylor Swift as Audrey, the girl of Ted's dreams.  Rob Riggle plays financial king O'Hare, and beloved actress Betty White portrays Ted's wise Grammy Norma. 

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax is the third feature created by Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me, Hop).  www.theloraxmovie.com

SOURCE Stonyfield