August 22, 2022

Minneapolis, MN – Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC), issued the following statement:

“JCRC welcomes today’s statement from General Mills reaffirming the iconic Minnesota company’s commitment to continue serving Israeli consumers, including Pillsbury branded products. The JCRC was pleased to work closely with General Mills, along with multiple national Jewish organizations, in reaching today’s positive announcement.

“The following statement is another clear rejection of the BDS movement by General Mills. Claims to the contrary are unfortunate and inaccurate.”

General Mills today serves, and is committed to continuing to serve, our Israeli consumers with many brands across our large and diverse portfolio, including Pillsbury, Häagen-Dazs ice cream and Nature Valley snack bars. In fact, we are actively exploring bringing additional brands to Israel. 

Of course, as we do in markets across the globe, we tailor our brand presence based on local tastes, business strategies and performance. In May, for example, we felt it was time to sell our stake in a joint venture in Israel, which principally marketed dough products under the Pillsbury brand. That sale was consistent with our overall business strategy and with other strategic business sales we made, including the proposed General Mills today serves, and is committed to continuing to serve, our Israeli consumers with many brands across our large and diverse portfolio, including Pillsbury, Häagen-Dazs ice cream and Nature Valley snack bars. In fact, we are actively exploring bringing additional brands to Israel. 

Of course, as we do in markets across the globe, we tailor our brand presence based on local tastes, business strategies and performance. In May, for example, we felt it was time to sell our stake in a joint venture in Israel, which principally marketed dough products under the Pillsbury brand. That sale was consistent with our overall business strategy and with other strategic business sales we made, including the proposed sale of our European dough business. 

We reject false claims that this decision was made in response to outside pressure or for political reasons.  Our global business strategy drove this decision.  We look forward to bringing more products to Israeli consumers which will be distributed without restriction and in full alignment with our values of non-discrimination.

General Mills is committed to continuing to serve the Israel market with our global brands, including Pillsbury.  Sales of Pillsbury products in Israel will continue after we exit the dough business next year.

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As the public affairs voice of the Jewish community, the JCRC fights antisemitism and prejudice, advocates for Israel, provides Holocaust education, promotes tolerance and social justice, and builds bridges across the Jewish and broader communities.