Today eDairy Market tells you the origin of Danone, known as Danon in some countries, was founded by Isaac Carasso, a Spanish businessman of Greek descent. The company’s history dates back to 1919 in Barcelona, Spain. Carasso was inspired to create the company by his belief in the health benefits of fermented milk and the work of Dr. Elie Metchnikoff, a Nobel Prize-winning biologist.

Dr. Metchnikoff had proposed that consumption of fermented dairy products with probiotics could contribute to better health by improving gut flora and digestion. He investigated the longevity of Bulgarian farmers who regularly consumed fermented dairy products, and attributed their health and longevity to the probiotics present in these foods.

Carasso saw an opportunity to create a business around the production and sale of these health-promoting fermented dairy products. In 1919, he founded Danone, naming it after his son’s nickname, “Daniel”. At first, the company produced yogurt with Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, similar to the Bulgarian yogurt that Dr. Metchnikoff had studied.

The company’s yogurt quickly gained popularity, and grew in scale and reputation over the years. In 1929, Isaac Carasso expanded the business by establishing a factory in Paris (France). The name “Danone” was adopted worldwide in the 1940s.

Danone continued to innovate and diversify its product offering, becoming one of the world’s leading food companies, focusing on dairy products, water, infant nutrition and medical nutrition. At my last update in September 2021, Danone had a significant international presence and was recognized for its commitment to health and sustainability. However, it should be noted that the company may have undergone further developments or changes since then.

Danone products may vary from country to country depending on factors such as cultural preferences, local competition and marketing efforts.

Some of the countries where Danone products have historically been popular and widely consumed include:

France: Danone is a French company, and its products have a strong presence in their country of origin.

Spain: Spain has been an important market for Danone products, especially yogurt.

United States: Danone has a significant presence in the United States, with several products available, including yogurt, plant-based alternatives and bottled water.

Russia: Danone has a notable market share in Russia, especially in the yogurt and dairy segments.

China: Danone has made significant efforts to enter the Chinese market, especially in the dairy and infant nutrition segments.

Brazil: The company has a notable presence in Brazil, where it offers a range of dairy products and nutrition items.

Indonesia: Danone products, especially yogurt, are popular in Indonesia.

Mexico: Danone has a strong presence in the Mexican market, with yogurt and dairy products among the most consumed.

The company is organized into several business segments, and its product portfolio includes, among others, the following:

Dairy products: Danone is known for its dairy products, which include various types of yogurt, fermented milk, dairy desserts and cheese.

Plant-based alternatives: Danone offers a range of plant-based alternatives to dairy products, such as “yogurts”, plant-based drinks and plant-based desserts, aimed at consumers who prefer that.

Infant nutrition: Danone manufactures infant formula, baby food and specialized nutrition products for young children.

Medical nutrition: The company offers medical nutrition products tailored to people with specific illnesses, such as tube-feeding formulas and oral supplements.

Bottled water: Danone is engaged in the production and distribution of bottled water under various brand names.

Nutritional supplements: The company produces nutritional supplements and fortification products.

Did you know the history of Danone?

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