Danone is a global food company famous for its dairy products, plant-based foods, and specialized nutrition. The company focuses on health and sustainability which has established Danone’s trust in more than 120 countries.
This blog talks about Danone’s timeline, brands, mission, career prospects and impact along with some of the most frequently asked questions.
Also see: PZ Cussons: A Legacy of Innovation and Sustainability
About Danone
Founded: 1919
Founder: Isaac Carasso
Headquarters: Paris, France
Global Presence: Over 120 countries
Employees: More than 100,000 worldwide
Danone’s history dates back to when Isaac Carasso opened it in 1919 Barcelona, Spain. The company started by making yogurt to deal with kids’ constipation and rapidly evolved.
Some important milestones include:
– 1929: Expansion into France under the name Danone (Carasso’s son’s nickname was Daniel).
– 1967: Merger with Gervais who were a French Fresh Cheese maker.
– 1973: Bought BSN which diversified into beverages and packaged food.
– 2007: Danone moved to focus on health targeted nutrition selling the biscuit division and concentrating on dairy, water and medical nutrition.
As of now Danone is a Fortune 500 company focusing on social and environmental responsibilities as well as sustainability.
Core Business segments of Danone
Danone has 3 sectors of operation:
– Essential Dairy and Plant-Based Products
This contains the best selling products of Activia, Danone, Oikos, Alpro.
Active probiotics and plant based alternatives like soy, almond, and oat milk are their primary focus alongside gut health.
– Waters
Include Evian, Volvic, and Aqua.
These brands focus on carbon neutral water production.
Specialized Nutrition
- Includes Aptamil, Nutrilon, and Fortimel.
- Provides infant nutrition, medical foods, and supplements.
Careers at Danone: Join a Mission-Driven Company
Danone is frequently listed among the best places to work thanks to its inclusive culture, career development programs, and global mobility options.
Popular Roles:
- Supply Chain & Operations
- Sales & Marketing
- R&D and Product Development
- Medical Nutrition Specialists
- Sustainability & CSR
To apply for a job at Danone, go to the career page and check job listings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What brands are owned by Danone?
Danone is known globally for its health-focused food and beverage products, especially in the dairy, plant-based, early life nutrition, and medical nutrition sectors. Danone brands include:
- Activia
- Alpro (plant-based milk and yogurt)
- Evian and Volvic (mineral water)
- Nutricia (medical nutrition)
- Aptamil and Cow & Gate (infant nutrition)
- Actimel
- Oikos Yogurt
- Silk and So Delicious (North America)
2. Is Danone the same as Dannon?
Yes. In the U.S., Danone operates under the brand name Dannon. It’s the same company.
3. Who is the CEO of Danone?
Danone is a publicly traded company listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange. It is owned by a mix of institutional investors, employees, and public shareholders.
4. Does Danone operate in Africa?
Yes. Danone has a growing presence in Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, and other African nations, working to improve access to nutritious foods.