Danone has announced that it has entered into two definitive agreements that will enable it to expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region in the fast-growing healthy nutrition space.
The first is acquisition of MADE Group; a fast-growing Australia-based company with a health-focused portfolio and the second is the acquisition of the remaining 49% stake in its existing fresh dairy joint venture with Saputo Dairy Australia.
Both transactions will create additional opportunities for Danone to enhance its profitable growth prospects across the APAC region.
MADE has a portfolio of well-established brands aligned with high-growth consumer trends, particularly in health-focused food products, including high-protein ready-to-drink products, gut-health yoghurts and coconut-based products.
The Melbourne-based company combines a proven track record in innovation with best-in-class marketing capabilities, and a comprehensive route to market and supply chain.
MADE has a significant presence in its home country of Australia as well as across New Zealand and Southeast Asia. It has consistently delivered double-digit growth and attractive margins and, with sales of more than €300 million for the fiscal year ending June 2026, would represent a meaningful contributor to Danone’s EDP business in APAC. The deal would be accretive to Danone’s Operating margin and EPS from this year.
Acquisition of remaining stake in existing fresh dairy joint venture in Australia
Complementing this acquisition, Danone also announced it will acquire the remaining 49% stake in its fresh dairy joint venture with Saputo Dairy Australia. Through this partnership, Danone has established a solid presence in functional yoghurts in Australia, anchored in three flagship brands, YoPRO, Activia and Ultimate.
The transactions are subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and are expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.
“With its strong portfolio of brands and healthy nutritional products, focusing on gut health and protein, MADE shows an impressive track record of rapid and profitable growth. We share the same belief in health through food and are excited to welcome them into the Danone family. To further enhance our flexibility, we are also acquiring the remaining stake in our Australian fresh dairy joint venture. This is another example of our Renew strategy at work: combining a strong focus on organic growth with targeted investments that further enhance our ability to meet demand for healthy nutrition,” said Antoine de Saint-Affrique, chief executive officer of Danone SA.
“Today marks an exciting next chapter for MADE. Led by our mantra of “making healthy happy”, we are proud to have built a portfolio of trusted brands and innovative products that consistently deliver better on nutrition, taste and quality. Danone shares our commitment to health and a passion for innovation, and we are excited about what comes next. Together we will access new infrastructure, capabilities and R&D expertise to accelerate our growth across the region. We are proud of what the team has built, and excited about what comes next,” said Amanda Butler, chief executive officer of MADE Group.
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Naresh Khanna – 10 February 2025
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