June 30/Minneapolis/just-food global news -- U.S. food group General Mills hailed an "exceptional year" for the company after a 17% rise in annual earnings.
The owner of Cheerios cereals posted a 17.3% rise in net earnings to $1.53 billion for the year through May 30. The improved bottom line as segment operating profit grew 8% to $2.9 billion, thanks in part to lower costs.