Chobani

Establishment and early years

Chobani was founded in 2005 by the Turkish businessman Hamdi Ulukaya. He chose the name Chobani as a variation of the Turkish word Çoban, which means "shepherd".

Chobani was inspired by Ulukaya's childhood spent raising sheep and goats and making cheese with his family. Not impressed by the yogurt options available in the United States, Ulukaya made strained yogurt at his home in Upstate New York. He hired a yogurt master from Turkey, with whom he developed his own recipe. Using different bacterial cultures at differing temperatures and fermentation durations, they tested hundreds of recipes to come up with a yogurt with the desired taste, texture, and natural shelf life. Ulukaya bought a plant in the town of South Edmeston, New York, that was being closed by Kraft Foods; Ulukaya purchased it with a Small Business Administration Loan. Ulukaya hired several of the former Kraft employees and launched his brand in 2007. In 2009, the chain stores Stop & Shop and ShopRite began carrying Chobani, and by the middle of 2009, Chobani was selling 200,000 cases a week. By 2010, Chobani realized over $1 billion in annual sales and became the leading seller of Greek yogurt in the U.S.

Later history and expansion

In November 2011, Chobani expanded into Victoria, Australia through the purchase of Victorian dairy company Bead Foods. It then invested $30m to expand the facility and began manufacturing from the Dandenong South plant in December 2012. In 2012, the brand opened its second plant in what became the world's largest yogurt facility in Twin Falls, Idaho, with an initial investment of $750 million. The move created approximately 7,000 jobs, and unemployment rates in the region dropped from 6.3% to 2.4%. Chobani also opened its first brick-and-mortar cafe in SoHo, New York City in July 2012.

Following the success of its product in Australia, in 2014 Chobani expanded its distribution to Asia and Latin America, beginning with Singapore, Malaysia, and Panama. The company announced plans for the Caribbean as well. In April 2014, Chobani reached a deal with private-equity firm TPG for a $750-million investment, which funded the company's expansion and the launch of a new line of products. In 2014 the company launched Chobani Oats, a blend of Greek yogurt, steel-cut oats and fruit; Seasonal varieties, including watermelon and pink grapefruit; Chobani Indulgent, a dessert yogurt; and a 4%-fat plain Greek yogurt. Chobani introduced its products in Mexico in August 2016.

In 2017, Chobani surpassed Yoplait as the No. 2 manufacturer in overall yogurt. The company also announced a $20 million expansion of the Twin Falls plant, with a 70,000 square-foot facility and a new global research and development center. When Chobani was launched, Greek yogurt made up less than 1% of the yogurt market in the U.S. As of 2017, Greek yogurt accounted for 50% of U.S. yogurt sales.

In September 2022, Chobani withdrew its plans for an initial public offering of more than $10 billion citing current market conditions. It had filed to go public in July 2021.

On October 16, 2025, Chobani announced it had secured $0.65B in equity capital to expand production at its facilities in New York and Idaho, valuing the company at about $20B. The New York Times reported that Chobani expects $3.8B in net sales in 2025, a 28% increase from the previous year. The funds will finance a 50% production increase at its Idaho plant and upgrades to its $1.2B upstate New York facility.

Products

Initial Chobani yogurt flavors included plain, vanilla, strawberry, peach, and blueberry. Later products included a yogurt-based condiment, plant-based beverages with organic oats as well as milk and cream from the company's yogurt-making process, four flavors of iced coffee, a nutritional shakes, and probiotic yogurt and drinks. Restaurants offering Chobani products include Tim Hortons.

Employees

Approximately 30% of Chobani's workforce consists of refugees and immigrants. In 2016, following reports on Chobani's practice of employing refugees, the company received calls for boycotts and death threats.

In April 2016, Chobani announced it was giving 10 percent of its ownership stake to its employees. The company allotted shares to its employees based on tenure, reportedly helping some of the company's longest serving employees become millionaires. In 2021, wages increased for the company's hourly workers, making up 70% of people employed by the company, from $13 to at least $15.

Community involvement and sponsorships

Philanthropy

Since its founding, Chobani has been involved in philanthropic endeavors. The company's philanthropy focuses on improving childhood nutrition, strengthening the communities near its plants in New York and Idaho, and supporting those in need after major disasters in the U.S.

In the spring of 2018, CEO Hamdi Ulukaya appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Good Morning America to announce that the company was celebrating its 10th anniversary as a national brand by giving a Chobani yogurt to every person in America.

In November 2018, Chobani announced a new partnership with the national nonprofit Operation Homefront, with the aim of raising $1 million for America's military families for financial assistance and support. Chobani donated $500,000 and the company pledged to match up to $250,000 in additional donations facilitated by a new Chobani product called "Hero Batch" Red, White and Blueberry Greek yogurt, which was designed by military veterans at Chobani.

In May 2019, CEO Ulukaya pledged to pay the student lunch debt for all Warwick school district students in Rhode Island and urged other companies to step up to fight food insecurity across the country.

In October 2019, Chobani launched a limited edition product, "Farmer Batch", with a portion of profits going to the American Farmland Trust (AFT).

Sponsorships

In 2012, Chobani became an official sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Team and premiered their first national commercial during the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony. Chobani secured naming rights of European soccer team Fenerbahçe's Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Istanbul in 2025 for 5+5 years, also they became team's kit sponsor for UEFA competitions for 2+3 years.

Chobani Incubator

Hamdi Ulukaya launched the Chobani Food Incubator in 2016 to support entrepreneurs at food and beverage startup companies with a nonequity investment, resources, mentorship and programming. In 2018, the company announced the creation of the Chobani Incubator Food Tech Residency. Participants in the incubator program have included Banza, Misfit Juicery, Chloe's Fruit, Pique Tea Crystals, NOKA, MatchaBar, and Ithaca Cold-Craftede.

In November 2019, the Chobani Incubator introduced its new Vets Cohort to help current and former armed service members who are also food entrepreneurs grow their business. The program was formed through a partnership with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University.

Legal issues and product recalls

In 2013, Chobani was ordered to change its yogurt's labeling in England and Wales after a judge ruled that the wording "Greek yoghurt" (rather than Greek-style) misled consumers into thinking the yogurt was made in Greece (yogurt imported from Greece is sold in Britain, and is the only type sold as "Greek").

On September 3, 2013, Chobani pulled some of its Greek-style yogurt from supermarket shelves after hearing of "swelling or bloating" in cups. The company said it has investigated and found a type of mold commonly found in dairy that may be to blame. Chobani announced a voluntary recall on September 5 in cooperation with the FDA. On September 9, 2013, the FDA reported at least 89 people reported becoming sick after eating the yogurt.

References

References

1. Folk, Zachary. "Chobani’s Founder Is $11 Billion Richer After Huge New Funding Round".
2. Gelles, David. (June 28, 2018). "Chobani, the Yogurt Maker, Reclaims Control of Its Finances". The New York Times.
3. (2013-08-31). "Cultural revolution: The Greek-yogurt phenomenon in America left big food firms feeling sour. They are trying to get better at innovation". The Economist.
4. Pendleton, Devon. (2012-09-14). "Hidden Chobani Billionaire Emerges as Greek Yogurt Soars". Bloomberg.
5. "Hamdi Ulukaya".
6. Abdullahoğlu, Eren. (9 April 2014). "Obama honors Turkish entrepreneur Hamdi Ulukaya".
7. (January 31, 2013). "At Chobani, the Turkish King of Greek Yogurt". BusinessWeek.
8. (19 December 2013). "Whole Foods To Stop Selling Chobani. same sex, lesbian yogurt commercial has led to boycott attempt by several family advocacy organizations Yogurt". The Wall Street Journal.
9. Beth Kowitt. (2019-11-18). "Chobani Rolls Out Oat Milk, Oat Yogurt, and Dairy Creamers".
10. (19 November 2021). "How Chobani swallowed 20% of the US yogurt market". Quartz.
11. (15 December 2023). "Chobani Acquired Coffee Company La Colombe For $900 Million".
12. ACKERMAN, BRYON. "How Chobani got its name".
13. Brunner, Rob. (2017-03-20). "How Chobani's Hamdi Ulukaya Is Winning America's Culture War".
14. (April 9, 2013). "Founder follows his gut instincts". Financial Times.
15. Pamela Vachon. (2019-05-08). "What Is the Difference Between Yogurt and Greek Yogurt?".
16. Don Cazentre. (2011-07-03). "How rural Chenango County became Greek yogurt capital: The story behind Chobani yogurt". syracuse.com.
17. Megan Durisin. (2013-05-03). "Chobani CEO: Our Success Has Nothing To Do With Yogurt". Business Insider.
18. (January 21, 2014). "Charting Greek Yogurt's Amazing Rise". ABC News.
19. (April 2013). "Chobani Timeline". Chobani.
20. E.J. Schultz. (2012-06-06). "Who's Winning the Greek-Yogurt 'Revolution'?". AdAge.
21. Mamta Badkar. (2011-10-08). "Trendy Greek Yogurt Chobani Is Officially The Top Selling Brand In America". Business Insider.
22. Ovide, Shira. (2011-06-30). "Greek Yogurt Brand Chobani Makes a Deal".
23. (2012-11-09). "Chobani yogurt makes move in Oz".
24. Trevor Hughes. (2017-11-09). "Yogurt maker Chobani expanding in tiny town of Twin Falls, Idaho". USA TODAY.
25. (2012-07-24). "Greek Yogurt Giant Chobani Is Opening Its First Shop In New York City". Business Insider.
26. (30 July 2012). "Chobani Yogurt Bar Makes Big Apple Debut". The Gourmet Retailer.
27. (November 18, 2012). "Nothing But Good: Chobani Founder Hamdi Ulukaya Named Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2012 Overall Award Winner". Ernst & Young.
28. (April 16, 2014). "Chobani goes global: CNY-based yogurt company to sell in Asia, Latin America". The Post-Standard.
29. (April 23, 2014). "Chobani Reaches Deal for $750 Million Investment From TPG". Wall Street Journal.
30. (April 18, 2004). "Chobani takes on oatmeal, ice cream and snacks with new summer launches". Food Navigator USA.
31. (26 August 2016). "Llega a México Chobani, la marca #1 de yogurt estilo griego en los Estados Unidos". PR Newswire.
32. Giammona, Craig. (9 March 2017). "Why Big Brands Couldn't Stop Chobani From Winning the Yogurt War". Bloomberg.
33. . (2017-11-13). ["Chobani Breaks Ground On Twin Falls, Idaho Expansion"](https://businessfacilities.com/2017/11/chobani-breaks-ground-twin-falls-idaho-expansion/). *Business Facilities - Area Economic Development, Site Selection & Workforce Solutions*.
34. John Kell. (2017-05-22). "General Mills Loses the Yogurt Wars". Fortune.
35. Lucas, Amelia. (2 September 2022). "Chobani withdraws IPO plans after yogurt maker filed in November to go public".
36. (2021-07-07). "Yogurt maker Chobani confidentially files for U.S. IPO, valuation may exceed $10 billion".
37. (2025-10-16). "Who Will Blink First: Trump or Xi?".
38. Folk, Zachary. "Chobani’s Founder Is $11 Billion Richer After Huge New Funding Round".
39. (November 4, 2013). "Just Add Sugar: How an immigrant from Turkey turned Greek yogurt into an American snack food".
40. Siegner, Cathy. (10 August 2018). "Chobani enters the condiment market". [[Industry Dive]].
41. Elaine Watson. (2019-11-18). "Chobani debuts oat drinks, yogurts, seeks to disrupt dairy creamer category".
42. Wiener-Bronner, Danielle. (14 January 2021). "Chobani reinvented yogurt. Its next target is coffee".
43. "Chobani".
44. Doering, Christopher. (10 Dec 2020). "Chobani doubles down on probiotics as consumers seek immunity-boosting products".
45. (8 December 2021). "Canadian Coffee Chain Tim Hortons Adds Chobani Oat Milk to 4,000 Locations".
46. Cristina Alesci. (30 September 2018). "US yogurt billionaire's solution to immigration: 'Humanity first'".
47. Gelles, David. (2016-10-31). "For Helping Immigrants, Chobani's Founder Draws Threats". The New York Times.
48. (2016-04-27). "Chobani CEO Surprises Employees With Ownership Stake in the Company".
49. "Chobani says it's giving 2,000 employees shares in privately held company".
50. Stephanie Strom. (April 27, 2017). "At Chobani, Now It's Not Just the Yogurt That's Rich". The New York Times.
51. Emma Margolin. (2016-10-06). "Chobani to offer new moms and dads 6 weeks off at full pay". NBC News.
52. Trentmann, Nina. (2020-12-23). "Yogurt Maker Chobani Recruits New CFO as It Continues to Expand". Wall Street Journal.
53. "Impact {{!}} Giving Back {{!}} Chobani®".
54. Kennison, Heather. "Chobani Foundation is offering $100K in grants for 'big ideas' in Magic Valley". Twin Falls Times-News.
55. Rick Moriarty. (2018-05-15). "Chobani to promote 'economic opportunity' with $100K annual Central NY grant fund". syracuse.com.
56. Danielle Holly. (8 October 2018). "Chobani Foundation Announces New Aspect to Its CSR".
57. Rick Moriarty. (2017-08-31). "Chobani donates yogurt to Hurricane Harvey flood victims". NewYorkUpstate.com.
58. Rick Moriarty. (2017-11-08). "Chobani to send powdered milk to hurricane victims in Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands". NewYorkUpstate.com.
59. . (2018-02-27). ["Video: Chobani CEO discusses the company's campaign with No Kid Hungry on 'GMA'"](https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Living/video/chobani-ceo-discusses-companys-campaign-kid-hungry-gma-53378056).
60. Michael Dykes. (22 May 2019). "IDFA Member Chobani Gets Creative to Support Military Families".
61. Julia Jacobo. (2019-05-10). "Chobani pays lunch money debt after school district's policy generates controversy".
62. (10 October 2019). "Latest Chobani flavor will benefit American Farmland Trust".
63. Elliott, Stuart. (14 June 2012). "Anything-but-Ordinary Mom Pitches for Chobani Yogurt". The New York Times.
64. Bautista, Camille. (27 July 2012). "Chobani's first national TV ad to run during Olympic opening ceremonies". The Post-Standard.
65. Elizabeth Segran. (2016-09-20). "Chobani launches a delicious food incubator". Fast Company.
66. Crowley, Chris. "A New Incubator Program Is Launching to Help Find the Next Great Food Company". Grub Street.
67. Elizabeth Crawford. (13 June 2018). "Chobani's Food Tech Residency tackles supply chain challenges to deliver better food to more people". foodnavigator-usa.com.
68. Elaine Watson. (20 September 2016). "Chobani CEO unveils 2016-17 incubator class: 'I don't think there's ever been a better time to be a food start up'". dairyreporter.com.
69. Rebekah Schouten. (26 September 2017). "Chobani chooses seven start-ups for incubator program". Sosland.
70. Rebekah Schouten. (9 March 2018). "Chobani selects start-ups for third incubator class". Sosland.
71. Stych, Anne. (18 September 2018). "Chobani announces food incubator participants".
72. Jennifer Marston. (2019-11-08). "Chobani Creates a Food Incubator Cohort for U.S. Veterans".
73. Andrew Trotman. (28 March 2013). "Chobani misled UK shoppers into thinking yoghurt was made in Greece: The US maker of Chobani yoghurt has been ordered to change the product's labelling in England and Wales after a judge ruled it was misleading shoppers". The Telegraph.
74. Julia Glotz. (28 March 2013). "Fage scores victory against Chobani in Greek yoghurt case". The Grocer.
75. (3 September 2013). "Chobani Pulls 'Fizzy,' 'Swelling' Yogurt Off Shelves". Huffington Post.
76. Choi, Candice. (5 September 2013). "Chobani recalls some Greek yogurt cups". USA Today.
77. "Chobani Yogurt Linked to 89 Reports of Illness". ABC News.