Earlier this week, Chobani confirmed that due to “circumstances” outside its control it would be unable to move forward with its plans for a nationwide launch of Chobani.
It declined, however, at the time to confirm or deny whether it would continue to operate in Canada once its government-granted import permits expired in February 2013.
However, in a short Twitter conversation with DairyReporter.com, Chobani revealed that it would be pulling out of Canada “for the time being.”
"Sadly, we must leave"
In reply to a promotional tweet by DairyReporter.com relating to Chobani’s decision to postpone its planned plant construction in Canada, Chobani said, “Sadly, we must leave for the time being. We’re strong & committed to growing Chobani in Canada. Thanks for your support.”
DairyReporter.com then asked, “Leave? Is Chobani planning to leave Canada for the ‘time being’? Presumably because your permits are due to expire?”
To which, Chobani replied, “Hey there! Challenges have forced us to take our cups out of Canada, but we’re pushing to come back.”
In a final message in reply to Chobani, DairyReporter.com asked, “Any idea how long it will be? What is the likelihood of having your import permit extended?”
Chobani failed to respond to the final tweet.
Import permits not extended
DairyReporter.com approached Chobani for an official comment following the Twitter conversation.
In a short statement, Chobani communications manager Cristina Dennstedt confirmed that the company’s import permits have yet to be extended by denied the pull-out.
“Chobani’s import permits have yet to be extended and as such, we are unable to move forward with [our] national launch plans. Despite thus holding pattern, we are not exiting the Canadian market and remain committed to giving Canadian consumers the choice they deserve in the yogurt aisle,” said Dennstedt.