Food giant Danone closed the second quarter of this year slightly lower than the first quarter, but still with over 4% growth, largely thanks to increased sales. Compared to the same quarter last year, profit growth was marginally higher.
The Paris-based company announced this. Of the 4,1% increase in sales, 3,2% came from additional sales volume and 1% from higher selling prices. However, like Nestlé and Unilever, Danone has been cautious with price increases, so as not to discourage customers and lose them to cheaper competitors.
Total sales in the second quarter amounted to €6,913 billion, of which 36% remained in Europe and 22% in North America. The strongest growth came from China, North Asia, and Oceania, where almost 16% of sales were made. Compared to the second quarter of 2024, sales in these regions grew by 12,4%, compared to growth of 2,2% and 2,3% in Europe and North America, respectively.
The strongest growth category is specialty foods (medical nutrition, infant nutrition, seniors), which overall saw an 8,7% increase in sales, but grew by 15,5% in China/North Asia. The EDP business unit (dairy and plant-based) recorded a 3% increase, while Water only grew by 0,5%.
To support its Specialized Nutrition business group in particular, Danone recently acquired the Belgian biotics company Akkermansia and a majority stake in the American company Kate Farms. The latter company is active in (plant-based) medical and infant nutrition, as well as shakes.