Despite a product recall in Asia and subdued growth in North America, the French dairy giant ends 2025 ahead of expectations and maintains its growth outlook heading into a still volatile 2026.
Danone reported like-for-like sales growth of 4.7 per cent in the fourth quarter, bringing full-year comparable growth to 4.5 per cent. Both figures exceed analysts’ expectations of 4.4 per cent, according to Bloomberg News data.
For 2026, Danone expects like-for-like sales growth in the range of 3–5 per cent, in line with 2025.
– With our sights set on 2026, in a world that remains unstable, we stay disciplined and fully committed to our science-based, consumer- and patient-centred approach. We enter the year with confidence, in line with the mid-term ambitions we have set, CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique said, according to FødevareWatch.
Protein and medical nutrition drive the quarter
In the fourth quarter, growth was driven in particular by demand for high-protein yoghurt products and medical nutrition drinks for cancer patients. In North America, Danone reported double-digit growth in protein-rich products, but overall regional growth reached just 0.7 per cent – below analysts’ expectations. Bloomberg News notes that the rise of GLP-1-based weight-loss medications has increased demand for protein-rich, gut-friendly products.
China leads growth despite recall
China, North Asia and Oceania was the fastest-growing region, with like-for-like sales growth of 10.4 per cent, driven by infant formula and medical nutrition products. This came despite a recall of infant formula batches in Singapore earlier in the year – an issue that sent the share price down by as much as 12 per cent in January. In connection with its annual results, the company played down the significance of the incident.
For Danish readers, it is worth noting that Danone is both a customer of and partner to biosolutions company Novonesis. The two collaborate on developing new solutions within dairy and plant-based foods.
By Maja Løvstrup
Source: FødevareWatch
Photo: Danone
