Cheerios cereal

Cheerios is one of the world's most recognizable breakfast cereal brands, originally launched in 1941 by General Mills as 'Cheerioats'. The name was shortened to Cheerios in 1945. Known for its signature O-shape and toasted whole grain oat composition, it has become a staple of heart-healthy diets and toddler snacking across North America and beyond.

While the brand is synonymous with its American roots under General Mills, its international presence is managed through a strategic joint venture with Nestlé. In countries outside of North America, the brand is often distributed through 'Cereal Partners Worldwide' (CPW). Manufacturing occurs in several locations globally to serve local markets, with major facilities in the United States and Canada, as well as sites across Europe and South America through the CPW partnership.

Ownership today remains split by geography: General Mills owns and produces the brand for the United States and Canada, while the joint venture with Nestlé handles the rest of the world. This arrangement allows the brand to maintain its historical American identity while leveraging Nestlé's global distribution network.