Danone invests €100 million to strengthen Specialized Nutrition in China
Become the biggest B Corp™ company in Asia
Danone today announcesa series of investments tostrengthen thelocal market capabilities, support and commitment of its Specialized Nutrition business in China. These investments willenableuniquely the company to broaden and deepen its range of nutritional products and services that are tailored to Chinese health needs, traditions and tastes.Totalling around 100 million euros (RMB 790 million), these investments includethe opening ofanopen-scienceresearch centerbasedin Shanghai, the acquisition of local infant milk formula capabilities, and the expansion of capacity to further developofferings in FSMP (Food for Special Medical Purposes), meaningfood for people whose nutritional requirements cannot be met by normal foods.In full coherencewithits One Planet.One health frame of action, Danone also announces that its Early Life Nutrition business unit in the country has achievedB CorpTMcertification.This means that Danone becomesthe biggest B Corp™in Asia, which fully embodiesthe reality of its commitment towards the well-beingof local populations and the preservation of local environment. It represents alsoan important step towards Danone’s accelerated ambition to become B Corp™certified by2025. Véronique Penchienati-Bosetta, Executive Vice President, Specialized Nutrition said:“For some thirty years Danone has been serving the needs of people in China, for both early life nutrition and nutrition for those ill or aged.The opening of the Open Science Research Center, the acquisition of local manufacturing capabilities and the BCorp™certification are key milestones for Danone’s presence in China as they will allow us to further invest responsibly in the promotion of healthy and balanced diets, grounded in scientific research and tailored to Chinese nutritional and health needs, habits, and traditions. Thisinvestment further demonstratesDanone’s belief in the long-term growth potential of the Infant Milk Formula and medical nutrition market in China and in the power of nutrition to positively impact health trajectories.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
€100 million investment to strengthen local capabilities of Specialized Nutrition in China
- Located in Shanghai, the new Danone Open Science Research Center for Life-Transforming Nutrition will serve as Danone’s platformto conduct studies and research in the region,notably focusing on breast milkand gut health.Itwill enable Danone to develop more relevant nutrition products and services, building on local knowledge and science,and contributing to the country’s‘Healthy China 2030’ agenda.Fulfilling its role as an “open” science center for collaboration, this facilitywill bring together public sector, medical and academic institutions, business partners and consumers, and will combine the skills of over 100 researchers in the fields of nutrition and consumer science, quality and food safety, and digital innovation.
- The investment also includesthe acquisition of Murray Goulburn Dairy (Qingdao) Co Ltd from Saputo Dairy Australia. This brings with it a registered infant milk formula brandand a facility located in Qingdao. Completedin June 2020, the transactionmeans Danonenow has itsfirst production facility for infant milk formula in China.
- In addition, the investment will also benefit the company’s advanced medical nutrition facilityinWuxi, Jiangsu province. It will enable itto develop protein-based liquid nutritional supplement solutions and expand further its Food for Special Medical Purpose offerings to nutritionally support healthy ageing and facilitate recovery of patients who are ill.
Investing further in local capacities and acting as a B Corp locally with strongsocietal commitments, Danone reaffirms its support to the Chinese national priorities“Healthy China 2030” and its aim to serve the health of the Chinese population at every stage of life.
Other news from the department business & finance
Get the food & beverage industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for the food & beverage sector brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
Most read news
More news from our other portals
See the theme worlds for related content
Topic world Food safety
Food safety is at the heart of the food and beverage industry. It ensures that the food we eat every day is not only nutritious, but also free of harmful contaminants. From field to plate, the industry monitors and regulates every step of the process with strict quality controls, advanced testing methods and continuous research.
Topic world Food safety
Food safety is at the heart of the food and beverage industry. It ensures that the food we eat every day is not only nutritious, but also free of harmful contaminants. From field to plate, the industry monitors and regulates every step of the process with strict quality controls, advanced testing methods and continuous research.
