‘Yogurt bars’ open in NYC amid Greek yogurt craze

NEW YORK (AP) - Yogurt companies are looking to cultivate Americans’ taste for dairy.

The country’s top Greek yogurt maker, Chobani, is opening up its first “yogurt bar” in New York City on Wednesday as it looks to strengthen its position in a rapidly growing market. Dannon, a long-time industry giant, also opened up a shop in New York City earlier this month called The Yogurt Culture Company that serves both fresh Greek and traditional varieties.

The two companies say there are no plans yet for additional locations. But such flagship stores can add luster to a brand and help build loyal fan bases, which will be critical at a time when tastes are shifting and competition is intensifying.

U.S. sales of Greek yogurt have more than doubled in the past five years to $1.6 billion, according to Euromonitor International. Last year, Greek yogurt accounted for about 21 percent of yogurt sales, up from 1.5 percent in 2006.