General Mills Corporate Communications
Mollie Wulff
763-764-6364
Media.line@genmills.com
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota - Driven by the belief that the kitchen is the original lab, where culinary science and personal expression fuel confidence and creativity in all makers, Betty Crocker introduces the BettyLab. Through this platform, Betty Crocker, along with a number of innovative partners, will offer resources, ideas and inspiration for people to learn and explore in their own kitchens. For its first initiative, Betty Crocker is partnering with Barbie and the brand’s Dream Gap Project initiative, another cultural icon that shares a commitment to helping children reach for the stars.
“We believe the kitchen is more than a room and baking is just the beginning,” said Stephanie Lensing, Brand Experience Manager, Betty Crocker. “We created BettyLab so that every ‘Betty’ can use their kitchen and the resources they have to unlock new possibilities and potential.”
By age 5, many girls stop believing they can be anything they want to be - the time of this drop in confidence is called the Dream Gap. In 2018, Barbie launched the Barbie Dream Gap Project as a global initiative to give girls the resources and support they need to continue believing in themselves. Now, along with a $100,000 donation that the brand will be making, Betty Crocker is working with the Barbie™ Dream Gap Project initiative to help inspire all parents to build girls’ confidence in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and beyond through the power of baking and culinary science. To draw attention to this important cause, it is introducing a special edition Betty Crocker + Barbie Dream Gap Project “Baking Better Futures” cake mix that is available at retailers for a limited time.
“As a purpose-driven brand, Barbie is committed to reminding girls across the globe and those around them that they can do anything,” said Diane Reichenberger, vice president of Consumer Products, Mattel. “Together, Barbie and Betty Crocker can inspire the limitless potential in every girl by making learning even more fun and by dedicating resources to remove barriers for the next generation.”
Families can venture to BettyCrocker.com/BettyLab for accessible STEM-fueled fun in the kitchen. Beginning on March 8, International Women’s Day, the hub will feature step-by-step tutorials to make Rock Candy, Ice Cream in a Bag, S’more Cake in a Slow Cooker, Soda Pop Cupcakes and more. Best of all, BettyLab explains the chemistry behind each edible creation and deliciously baked treat! Share your baking experiences and culinary science experiments on social using #BettyAndBarbie.
“We believe the kitchen is more than a room and baking is just the beginning. We created BettyLab so that every ‘Betty’ can use their kitchen and the resources they have to unlock new possibilities and potential.”
General Mills makes food the world loves. The company is guided by its Accelerate strategy to drive shareholder value by boldly building its brands, relentlessly innovating, unleashing its scale and being a force for good. Its portfolio of beloved brands includes household names such as Cheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Yoplait, Annie’s, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills generated fiscal 2021 net sales of U.S. $18.1 billion. In addition, the company's share of non-consolidated joint venture net sales totaled U.S. $1.1 billion.
Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.
