The IFYA Kicks Off the Make Frozen Yogurt the State Food of California Campaign

LOS ANGELES - Sept. 10, 2014 - PRLog -- The International Frozen Yogurt Association announced a campaign to make frozen yogurt the official state food of California. It asks frozen yogurt fans to show support by signing the petition on Change.org: http://www.change.org/p/state-sen-mimi-walters-sponsor-a-bill-to-make-frozen-yogurt-the-state-food-of-california (http://www.change.org/p/state-sen-mimi-walters-sponsor-a-bill-to-make-frozen-yogurt-the-state-food-of-california?utm_source=guides&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=kickstart_petition)

“Not only has California been instrumental in the popularity of frozen yogurt around the world, but frozen yogurt also fits with California’s image as a health-conscious state. It’s time that California’s role in frozen yogurt history be recognized officially,” said Susan Linton, President of the International Frozen Yogurt Association. “If you believe in the cause, please help spread the word about the petition.”

Reasons Why Frozen Yogurt Should Be the State Food of California

While frozen yogurt was invented in New England in the 1970s, the new wave of frozen yogurt was popularized in California. The second wave started when Pinkberry opened its doors in 2005. The Pinkberry brand has been designed and managed by a LA-based branding firm called Ferroconcrete. It has appeared in numerous TV shows,  including Gossip Girl and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Pinkberry is in the Urban Dictionary - the definition is: "Los Angeles frozen yogurt chain that's more addictive than crack."

Pinkberry's public relations strategy involved leveraging the popularity of Pinkberry with celebrities. Celebrities  (e.g., the Beckhams, Reese Witherspoon, Mila Kunis, Britney Spears, Jennifer Garner, Rachel Zoe, Charlize Theron, Rob Lowe) living in LA have often been captured visiting frozen yogurt shops by paparazzi.

Both Pinkberry and Red Mango opened their first US shops in the Los Angeles area and California is the home to the leading players of the frozen yogurt industry, including Pinkberry, Yogurtland, Menchie’s, Tutti Frutti, Cherry on Top, Nubi Yogurt, and Golden Spoon. Chains like Pinkberry, Yogurtland and Menchie's have the majority of their locations in California.

California has the most frozen yogurt shops and is second in yogurt production (behind New York). California has inspired frozen yogurt shops across the world. Some shops are named after CA, including California Berry in the Philippines, California Yogurt Kraze in Alabama and California Frozen Yogurt in Margate, NJ. Honey Hill Farms, a leading frozen yogurt mix producer, has a frozen yogurt flavor called California Tart.

For more information, please visit: http://www.change.org/p/state-sen-mimi-walters-sponsor-a-... (http://www.change.org/p/state-sen-mimi-walters-sponsor-a-...)

About the International Frozen Yogurt Association

The International Frozen Yogurt Association (IFYA) serves as an unbiased source of support and information for current and prospective frozen yogurt store operators. The Association works to set and promote standards to elevate the quality of frozen yogurt stores and recognizes those that meet the Swirl of Honor™ standards of the industry.  IFYA represents frozen yogurt shops, suppliers and consumers across the world. Their audience is diverse in background yet united by a common love of frozen yogurt. Visit the IFYA website, http://www.internationalfrozenyogurt.com for additional information.