Groupe Danone

n 2008, Danone recorded an organic growth rate of 8.4% — practical proof that its business growth model truly works. With its operating margin increasing for the 14th year running, the group further strengthened its global standing: world no. 1 in fresh dairy products, world no. 2 in bottled waters, world no. 2 in baby nutrition and European no. 1 in medical nutrition.

The group’s performance is the result of a balanced strategy that builds on international expansion, a growing commitment to innovation, and strengthening health-oriented brands. In order to live up to its ambitions, Danone invests heavily in Research & Development — €208 million in 2008. One hundred percent of projects currently in the pipeline focus on health and nutrition. Three centuries after the benefits of Evian mineral water were discovered, over a century after Blédine was first marketed, and nearly a century after the first Danone yoghurt was retailed in a pharmacy, health innovation remains more than ever a driver of the group’s business growth.

2008 confirmed that the previous year’s acquisition of the Dutch group Numico was strategically sound. With this move, Danone incorporated into its strategy two profitable, fast-growing health-oriented business lines: medical nutrition and baby nutrition. They naturally round off the group’s brand portfolio and are perfectly aligned with its mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible. Today Danone is the only food group to focus totally on health.