As the North American subsidiary of the global food giant Danone S.A., Danone North America has firmly established itself as a leader in the food and beverage industry, committed to delivering both nutritional excellence and environmental sustainability. With its headquarters in White Plains, New York, and Broomfield, Colorado, the company has become one of the largest Certified B Corporations® in the world, combining business success with robust social and ecological accountability.
Core Business Focus
Danone North America is focused on producing health-centric dairy and plant-based food and beverage products that cater to evolving consumer preferences. The company’s core mission, “One Planet. One Health,” emphasizes the interconnectedness of human health and planetary well-being. Operating across multiple major food categories, Danone North America delivers products to millions of consumers daily through major retail, e-commerce, and foodservice channels.
Product and Service Offerings
Danone North America provides a broad portfolio of products across the following segments:
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Dairy-Based Products:
- Yogurt: Dannon, Oikos, Activia, Two Good
- Milk and Creamers: Horizon Organic, International Delight
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Plant-Based Alternatives:
- Milk Alternatives: Silk (almond, oat, soy), So Delicious (coconut-based)
- Plant-Based Yogurt: Silk and So Delicious
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Coffee Beverages and Creamers:
- Ready-to-drink coffee: Stok Cold Brew
- Dairy and Non-Dairy Creamers: International Delight, Silk
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Organic and Specialized Nutrition:
- Organic Milk: Horizon Organic
- Pediatric and Medical Nutrition Products (via Nutricia brands)
Each product segment is supported by a robust innovation pipeline, sustainability initiatives, and consumer insights.
Market Position and Global Reach
Danone North America is:
- The #1 yogurt company in the U.S., with a market share of over 30% in retail yogurt sales (source: Nielsen data)
- A top plant-based food and beverage brand portfolio in North America, led by Silk and So Delicious
- Among the largest suppliers to national retailers like Walmart, Kroger, Costco, Target, and Whole Foods
Operating as part of Danone’s broader Americas zone, the company serves both Canada and the United States with integrated supply chains and marketing operations.
Financial and Operational Insights
Danone North America is a critical contributor to Danone Group’s global revenue, which totaled €27.6 billion in 2023. The North American division:
- Generates an estimated $6 billion in annual revenue
- Operates 13 production facilities across the U.S.
- Employs over 6,000 team members
- Manages a portfolio of more than 15 household-recognized brands
The company is known for reinvesting heavily in R&D and sustainability, including zero-waste manufacturing and carbon-neutral goals.
Export and Shipment Insights
While primarily focused on domestic sales in the U.S. and Canada, Danone North America contributes indirectly to international supply via:
- Export partnerships for organic dairy and plant-based beverages to Latin America and East Asia
- Participation in Danone's global supply chain, which distributes shelf-stable and specialized nutrition products across 130+ countries
Data from global trade platforms suggests the company ships over 15,000 MT of product annually for international markets.
Certifications and Compliance
Danone North America is certified and compliant with a wide array of national and global food safety and sustainability standards:
- Certified B Corporation® since 2018
- Non-GMO Project Verified for over 90% of its plant-based product line
- USDA Organic Certification for Horizon Organic
- SQF, ISO 22000, and FSSC 22000 for all manufacturing sites
- LEED-certified facilities and committed to 100% renewable electricity
The company’s adherence to these certifications positions it as a trusted food provider in regulatory-sensitive markets.
Target Market
Danone North America serves multiple demographic segments:
- Health-conscious families and individuals
- Plant-based lifestyle adopters and vegans
- Organic and clean-label product consumers
- Institutions: Schools, hospitals, and senior nutrition programs
- B2B clients and foodservice providers
Its omnichannel strategy reaches customers through grocery retail, mass merchandising, club stores, direct-to-consumer platforms, and foodservice distributors.
Capabilities
- Integrated national manufacturing and cold-chain logistics
- Proprietary R&D for new product formulation and sensory testing
- Digital-first marketing and consumer insight platforms
- B2B and foodservice customization for institutional needs
- Partnerships with agricultural networks to ensure sustainable sourcing
Customer Testimonials
While individual testimonials are often embedded in brand campaigns, retail reviews and consumer feedback highlight consistently high satisfaction across its core brands:
“Activia has become a staple in our family’s morning routine. Great taste, consistent quality.”
— Verified Walmart customer
“Silk’s almond milk is the best-tasting and healthiest plant milk on the market. Our go-to for years.”
— Amazon verified review
Major Achievements
- First food and beverage company of its size to receive B Corp certification
- Named among the Best Companies to Work For by Great Place to Work U.S.
- Launched the Danone Institute North America to fund food system research
- Donated over $2 million in food and grants during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Achieved 50% GHG emissions reduction at production sites since 2015
Media and Recognition
Danone North America frequently features in:
- Forbes, FoodNavigator, and Business Insider for ESG and business innovation
- Sustainability rankings like Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies
- Industry trade events such as Expo West, Natural Products Expo, and Plant Based World Expo
Their integrated communication campaigns emphasize both health-driven innovation and planet-conscious operations, aligning with their global brand purpose.