Danone Reports Impressive Financial Results for the Entire Year, Driven by Volume Growth and Stable Prices

According to FoodNavigator, Danone is proud to announce outstanding financial results for the entire year, with increasing profits attributed to volume growth and stable prices.

Performance

Focusing on core performance while managing underperforming brands and business segments has significantly contributed to Danone’s strong annual balance sheet.

Sales grew by 4.3%, exceeding €27 million, driven by a 3% volume increase and stable price growth of 1.3%. This marks the fifth consecutive quarter of positive financial performance for the company.

The reported growth declined by 0.9% compared to the previous year. However, the company is now concluding the first chapter of its "Renewed" strategy, which has refocused the business on strengthening its presence in science-based and medical nutrition segments, stated CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique.

Fourth-quarter sales significantly contributed to Danone's final ratings, with total sales increasing by 4.7% in value and 4.2% in volume over the period.

This strong performance led to a positive start in the stock market, with Danone’s share price rising by 1.70% in early trading, in contrast to Unilever’s decline following Hein Schumacher’s resignation announcement.

Danone’s Growth Sectors Shine

Danone’s top-performing segments included double-digit growth in high-protein products, coffee creations, and medical nutrition.

Essential Dairy and Plant-Based (EDP) products saw their fifth consecutive quarter of volume and value growth, while the Chinese vitamin beverage brand Mizone increased sales by 12% year-over-year.

The company's focus on health-driven nutrition, a growing trend among consumers worldwide, has paid off—88% of surveyed consumers associated Danone’s products with health benefits.

Additionally, increasing consumption in pharmacies, hospitals, and home care settings boosted sales by 50%.

Overall, EDP sales grew by 3.8% to €13.4 million, specialized nutrition rose by 4.6% to €8.9 million, and water sales increased by 5.1% to €4.9 million. "In 2024, the quality of our growth has further improved," said de Saint-Affrique.

Where Will Danone Grow Next?

"This has enabled us to leverage operational efficiency, allowing us to reinvest in our brands and capabilities while maintaining strong financial discipline."

However, de Saint-Affrique cautioned that the food industry is at a turning point. Nevertheless, he emphasized that Danone’s "unique" health-focused portfolio and renewed commitment to science position the company confidently for the future.

"Our focus on value creation and profit-driven capital allocation has led to a significant improvement in ROIC, now back in double-digit territory," he added.

By region, in Europe, Danone will concentrate on further volume growth, expanding its EDP portfolio, and building on the strong performance of Evian and Volvic water brands.

In North America, the company will focus on high-protein products, coffee creations, and water, while aiming to revitalize its specialized nutrition segment, where sales have declined.

All other regions will continue to build on Danone’s core brand strengths.

As a result, Danone’s 2025 guidance remains positive, with expectations for continued growth in the next financial year, projected between 3% and 5%.