Cereal Maker Raises Prices

The cost of cereals including Wheaties, Cheerios and Total is increasing an average of 2%, General Mills Inc. announced Monday.

The price jump averages out to 6 or 7 cents a box for brands such as Chex, Total Raisin Bran and Total Corn Flakes, General Mills spokesman Greg Zimprich said. The increase went into effect May 31.

The price increase was the result of higher energy, ingredient and packaging costs, Zimprich said. Golden Valley, Minn.-based General Mills last increased cereal prices was in 1999.