THE FROZEN YOGURT CRAZE

Frozen yogurt was first introduced in the market in 1970s as "Frogurt" It didn't hit off then when customers complained of the tart taste.

In the 1980s a sweeter version of frozen yogurt was introduced to the market and consumers welcomed it. Manufacturers perfected adding flavors and created creamy frozen yogurts similar to those sold today. In 1986 sales reached $25 million and in the early 1990's it has 10% of the desert market and reached $330 million in sales.

Even in winter, when all ice based food are on the hibernate, frozen yogurt remains hot. Fro-Yo (short for frozen yogurt) shops still kept opening everywhere in New York throughout winter, as reported by the New York Times.

2008 in United States, specifically Los Angeles, Starbucks reported its first ever net loss, closed more than 600 under performing US stores and reshuffling management positions or closing it down while striving to attract customers.

As recession toils in it is expected that more than 1,000 restaurants will be closed down throughout New York alone in 2008.

With all the gloom and apparent slump in the purchasing power of the mass, its surprising to see that amidst board up doors and closed signs in the city were queues that snake along the pavement outside walls of mod and sleek yogurt stores. Daily hundreds of eager customers would wait in line for a $5cup of creamy, tart yogurt topped with fruits or cereals. Interesting how much more expensive it is compared to a cup of Starbucks coffee which only costs $2.2 for a venti (largest size available).


The fad for eating Fro-Yo has infected mostly women and young boys and girls. It is not a surprise that hundreds of yogurt stores opened in the US and the battle of Fro-Yo stores that ensued.

In California tribal conflicts among Pinkberry partisans, Red Mango loyalists and the fans of Yogurt World, ensued in a San Diego emporium where multiple flavors of yogurt and hundreds of toppings were available via self serve. Patrons wander around with an empty bowl and a wad of cash.

According to market research firm, Mintel, the fro-yo market expansion helped by higher prices, US sales grew to $177million in 2007 from $170million in the prior year and expects sales to rise to $200million by 2012.

A phenomenal craze like this would naturally spill over to the rest of the world and not to disappoint, Fro-Yo stores has been opening in Asia, Middle East and Europe. A quick check at Google for "frozen yogurt business" would come up with 882,000 results.

References:
http://wikipedia.org
http://www.ehow.com
htttp://nytimes
http://abcnews.go.com