Danone SA ranks among the world’s largest food and beverage companies. The French multinational operates from its headquarters in Paris and sells products in over 120 countries through brands like Activia, Evian, Aptamil, and Alpro.
The company focuses on three core segments: essential dairy and plant-based products, specialized nutrition, and bottled waters. Danone leads in yogurt production globally and holds strong positions in baby food and medical nutrition markets.
With nearly 90,000 employees across six continents, Danone generates annual revenues exceeding €27 billion. The company became the first publicly listed firm to adopt French mission company status in 2020, embedding social and environmental goals into its corporate bylaws.
Danone History
Danone Co-founders
Danone Market Cap
Danone’s market capitalization stands at approximately $57.1 billion as of December 2025. This represents a 30% increase over the past year. The company trades on Euronext Paris and through ADRs on the US over-the-counter market.
Danone Revenue
Danone reported €27.38 billion in sales for fiscal year 2024, with like-for-like growth of 4.3%. The company achieved volume growth of 3% for the first time in three years. Net income more than doubled to €2.02 billion.
Danone Acquisitions
Danone built its global presence through strategic acquisitions spanning multiple decades. The company transformed from a regional yogurt maker into a diversified food and beverage multinational through targeted deals in dairy, nutrition, and beverages.
The 2007 purchase of Royal Numico for €12.3 billion marked Danone’s largest acquisition at that time. This deal brought infant formula brands like Aptamil and Nutrilon plus medical nutrition expertise from over 100 years of research. Numico’s capabilities complemented Danone’s existing yogurt and water businesses perfectly.
In 2010, Danone acquired Russian dairy company Unimilk to gain 21% of that market. The combined entity operated 28 facilities across Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. This move gave Danone access to fast-growing emerging markets and popular local brands like Prostokvashino.
The 2017 acquisition of WhiteWave Foods for $12.5 billion represented Danone’s largest deal ever. WhiteWave brought plant-based milk leader Silk and European favorite Alpro into the portfolio. The transaction also added organic dairy brand Horizon and coffee creamer brand International Delight. Danone sold Stonyfield organic yogurt to satisfy US antitrust requirements.
Danone divested non-core businesses alongside acquisitions. The company sold its biscuit division to Kraft for €5.3 billion in 2007. Glass container and brewing operations were sold during the 1990s as Danone sharpened its focus on health-oriented food categories. In May 2025, Danone announced acquisition of majority stake in Kate Farms, an American medical nutrition specialist.
Danone Competitors
Danone competes against major food and beverage multinationals across dairy, plant-based, bottled water, and specialized nutrition categories. The company holds leading positions in yogurt globally and ranks among top players in infant formula markets.
| Company | Headquarters | Primary Segment |
|---|---|---|
| Nestle | Switzerland | Dairy, Infant Nutrition, Waters |
| Unilever | Netherlands/UK | Ice Cream, Plant-Based Foods |
| PepsiCo | United States | Beverages, Snacks |
| Coca-Cola | United States | Beverages, Waters |
| General Mills | United States | Yogurt, Cereals |
| Lactalis | France | Dairy Products, Cheese |
| Chobani | United States | Greek Yogurt, Oat Milk |
| Oatly | Sweden | Plant-Based Dairy |
| Fonterra | New Zealand | Dairy Ingredients |
| Friesland Campina | Netherlands | Dairy, Infant Nutrition |
FAQs
When was Danone founded?
Isaac Carasso founded Danone in 1919 in Barcelona, Spain, producing yogurt and naming the brand after his son Daniel.
What products does Danone make?
Danone produces dairy yogurts, plant-based foods under Alpro and Silk, bottled waters including Evian, baby formula, and medical nutrition products.
Where is Danone headquartered?
Danone SA is headquartered in Paris, France. The company operates manufacturing facilities and sales offices across more than 55 countries worldwide.
Who owns Danone?
Danone is publicly traded on Euronext Paris. American investors own 43% of shares, French investors hold 19%, and UK investors control 10%.
What are Danone’s main brands?
Danone owns Activia, Oikos, Actimel, Alpro, Silk, Evian, Volvic, Aptamil, Nutrilon, and International Delight among its portfolio of global brands.
