Overview of the Company
With 20% of the global market (35% in some countries) and a presence in some 40 countries, Danone leads the fresh dairy product market. 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 — nearly €190 million in 2007. History of the Company
Danone's adventure began in 1966 with BSN, a French glass-making company that specialised in packaging and flat glass. In the early 1970s BSN’s CEO Antoine Riboud foresaw the decline of glass and decided to shift the business’s focus from glass containers to their content. He acquired Kronenbourg and Evian in 1972. By the early 1990s BSN was a truly international business. In 1994 it become Danone.
Two years later Franck Riboud took over from his father.He started a great restructuring venture which, in a little over 10 years, has seen some 50 acquisitions and the sale of numerous business. The strategic refocus on health through food culminated in the 2007 takeover of Dutch company Royal Numico. The Group has now been restructured into four business lines – Fresh Dairy Products, Waters, Baby Nutrition, and Medical Nutrition. It is the first and only food company with a clear health-through-food positioning, which has a high growth potential. |