What Happened to Chobani LLC?
Chobani, founded in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, revolutionized the U.S. yogurt market by popularizing Greek yogurt and has since diversified into a broader food and beverage company. The company has expanded its product portfolio to include oat milk, coffee creamers, and ready-to-drink coffee through strategic acquisitions, while continuing significant investments in manufacturing and community initiatives.
Quick Answer
Chobani, initially known for popularizing Greek yogurt in the U.S., has evolved into a diversified food and beverage company. As of May 2026, it remains privately owned, having recently secured $650 million in equity funding at a $20 billion valuation in October 2025. The company is heavily investing in expanding its manufacturing capabilities and product lines, including new coffee creamers, and continues its commitment to social responsibility despite facing an ongoing class-action lawsuit regarding 'natural ingredients' claims.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Chobani Founded
Hamdi Ulukaya, a Turkish immigrant, founded Chobani after purchasing a defunct Kraft Foods yogurt plant in South Edmeston, New York, with a Small Business Administration loan.
First Greek Yogurt Hits Shelves
Chobani's first Greek yogurt cups were introduced to the market, quickly gaining popularity for their thick, high-protein content.
Becomes Top-Selling Greek Yogurt Brand
Chobani rapidly became the leading Greek yogurt brand in the United States, achieving significant market share.
Opens Twin Falls, Idaho Plant
Chobani opened its second and largest production facility in Twin Falls, Idaho, which became the world's largest yogurt plant.
Employee Ownership Stake Announced
Chobani announced it was giving 10% of its ownership stake to its employees, a move aimed at sharing the company's success.
Diversifies into Non-Dairy Products
The company expanded its product range beyond dairy yogurt, introducing oat milk and plant-based coffee creamers.
Acquires La Colombe Coffee Roasters
Chobani acquired La Colombe Coffee Roasters for $900 million, marking a major entry into the ready-to-drink coffee market.
Launches Chobani Creations Greek Yogurt
Chobani introduced Chobani Creations Greek Yogurt, a line of dessert-inspired, wholesome snacks in various flavors.
Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Over 'Natural Ingredients' Claims
A class-action lawsuit was filed against Chobani, alleging that its products marketed as containing 'only natural ingredients' contained phthalates.
Acquires Daily Harvest
Chobani acquired Daily Harvest, a company focused on sustainably-grown fruits and vegetables, further diversifying its product portfolio.
Raises $650M Equity Capital at $20B Valuation
Chobani raised $650 million in equity capital, valuing the company at $20 billion, to fund significant plant expansions in New York and Idaho.
Chobani Legacy Project Expands
The Chobani Legacy Project, an employee-directed fund for community projects, expanded to include Muskegon, Michigan, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in addition to its New York and Idaho hometowns.
Announces $567M La Colombe Plant Expansion
Chobani announced a $567 million expansion of its La Colombe plant in Norton Shores, Michigan, strengthening its commitment to the coffee segment.
Phthalates Lawsuit Partially Proceeds
A class false advertising lawsuit against Chobani, alleging phthalates in products marketed as 'natural,' was allowed to partially proceed in California federal court.
Launches 'American Blueberry' Creamer
Chobani launched its limited-edition 'American Blueberry' creamer as part of its 'Flavor Drops' series, available in major retailers starting June.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Chobani's journey began in 2005 when Turkish immigrant Hamdi Ulukaya purchased a defunct Kraft Foods plant in upstate New York with a Small Business Administration loan. His vision was to introduce authentic, high-protein strained Greek yogurt to the American market, which he felt was lacking in quality options. The first Chobani Greek yogurt cups hit shelves in 2007, quickly gaining traction and transforming the dairy aisle. By 2011, Chobani had become the top-selling Greek yogurt brand in the United States, achieving over $1 billion in annual sales within five years of its launch.
Key turning points in Chobani's growth include the opening of its massive Twin Falls, Idaho, production facility in 2012, which became the world's largest yogurt plant. In 2016, Ulukaya made headlines by giving 10% of the company's ownership stake to its employees, reinforcing his people-first business philosophy. The company began diversifying its product offerings in 2019, expanding into non-dairy alternatives like oat milk and coffee creamers. This strategic shift aimed to broaden its market appeal beyond the core yogurt category.
In recent years, Chobani has pursued aggressive expansion through acquisitions. In December 2023, it acquired La Colombe Coffee Roasters for $900 million, marking a significant entry into the ready-to-drink coffee market. This was followed by the acquisition of Daily Harvest in May 2025, further diversifying its portfolio into sustainably-grown fruits and vegetables. These acquisitions are part of Chobani's strategy to become a 'total food company.'
As of May 2026, Chobani remains a privately owned company. In October 2025, it raised $650 million in equity capital, pushing its valuation to approximately $20 billion. This funding is earmarked for substantial manufacturing expansions, including a $1.2 billion investment in a new dairy processing plant in Rome, New York, and a $500 million expansion of its Twin Falls, Idaho facility. The company also announced a $567 million expansion of the La Colombe plant in Norton Shores, Michigan, in March 2026. Chobani projects net sales of $3.8 billion for 2025, a 28% increase from 2024, and expects over $1 billion in earnings for 2026.
Despite its growth, Chobani has faced legal challenges. A class-action lawsuit was filed in April 2025, alleging that the company misled consumers by marketing products as containing 'only natural ingredients' when third-party testing reportedly found phthalates. As of April 2026, this lawsuit is partially proceeding in federal court. On the product innovation front, Chobani continues to launch new items, such as the limited-edition 'American Blueberry' creamer in May 2026, part of its 'Flavor Drops' series. The company also maintains its strong commitment to social responsibility through initiatives like the Chobani Legacy Project, which expanded to four states in January 2026, supporting community-driven projects.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Chobani LLC made different choices?