Current Production Status of Count Chocula
Count Chocula remains in active production as a seasonal cereal brand owned by General Mills. The product is typically available in grocery stores and online retailers during the fall months, aligning with Halloween-themed product cycles. General Mills continues to include Count Chocula in its portfolio of monster-themed cereals alongside Franken Berry and Boo Berry. The cereal features chocolate-flavored marshmallow pieces shaped like the Count von Count character from Sesame Street. Forbes reports on General Mills' ongoing strategy with licensed character cereals.
Seasonal Release Pattern and Retail Distribution
The cereal follows a consistent annual release pattern, appearing on shelves primarily from August through October. Major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Kroger stock the product during this window. General Mills utilizes a limited-time marketing campaign to drive demand, which includes digital advertising and in-store promotions. Out-of-stock situations are common near the end of the seasonal window due to high demand and controlled supply. BusinessWire coverage of General Mills' quarterly earnings and seasonal product performance.
Brand Ownership and Corporate Structure
General Mills, Inc. owns the Count Chocula brand through its licensed cereal division. The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GIS. General Mills' portfolio includes other licensed cereals such as the Monstars from Space Jam and the recent collaboration with the Minecraft video game franchise. The company's financial reports categorize these products under the U.S. Retail cereal segment. SEC filings detail General Mills' corporate structure and brand portfolio.
Licensing Agreements and Intellectual Property
The Count Chocula name and likeness are licensed from Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street. General Mills pays royalties to Sesame Workshop for the use of the character in cereal and other merchandise. These licensing agreements are standard for character-based food products in the United States. The terms of these deals are not publicly disclosed in full detail, but they are reflected in the company's cost of goods sold. Forbes analysis of licensing deals in the food industry.
Market Position and Consumer Demand
Count Chocula holds a niche position within the broader ready-to-eat cereal market, competing primarily with other seasonal and novelty products. The cereal is part of a growing trend of limited-edition and collectible food items that drive impulse purchases. Consumer demand remains strong among nostalgic buyers and families with young children. General Mills tracks sales data through retail partnerships to determine production volumes for the following year. Statista provides market data on the U.S. RTD cereal sector.
Impact of Seasonal Cereal Trends on Revenue
Seasonal cereals like Count Chocula contribute to General Mills' overall top-line revenue, though exact figures are not broken out separately in earnings calls. The