The history of Danone begins with a small yogurt business in Barcelona and leads to one of the largest food companies in the world. Today, the group is known not only for yogurts but also for bottled water, plant-based products and specialized nutrition. Its story shows how a simple product, once sold in pharmacies, became part of daily life in many countries.
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The beginning in Barcelona
In 1919, Isaac Carasso, a businessman who had moved to Barcelona, started producing yogurt. At the time, yogurt was not common in Western Europe, and Carasso was interested in research on lactic ferments and their possible benefits for digestion. His first products were sold in pharmacies, as a food associated with health.
The company was named after his son Daniel, whose nickname in Catalan was “Danon.” The name later became Danone.
Expansion to France and the United States
In 1929, Daniel Carasso founded a company in Paris and expanded the business in France. During World War II, he moved to the United States, where in 1942 he helped found a yogurt company in New York. To sound more American, the brand used the name Dannon, which is still used in the U.S. today.
Growth through mergers
In the second half of the 20th century, the French company merged with a large food and glass packaging group, BSN. Over time, the group focused on food and beverages and adopted the Danone name in the 1990s. Through acquisitions and new products, it expanded to dozens of countries.
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Main business areas
Today, Danone works in three main areas:
- Dairy and plant-based products: yogurts and fermented products such as Activia, Oikos and Danonino, as well as plant-based brands such as Alpro and Silk.
- Waters: bottled water brands such as Evian, Volvic and Aqua.
- Specialized nutrition: infant formula and medical nutrition products, through brands such as Aptamil and Nutricia.
The exact brands available vary by country.
Innovation in fermented products
Fermentation has been at the heart of the company since its origins. Danone invests in research on ferments and the microbiome, the community of microorganisms that live in our bodies. Products such as Activia were developed around the idea of supporting digestive health, although any health claims depend on the scientific evidence and regulations of each country.
Sustainability and social commitments
In recent years, Danone has emphasized environmental and social commitments. In the United States, Danone North America obtained B Corp certification, which evaluates social and environmental performance. In France, the company adopted the status of “entreprise à mission,” a model in which a company includes social and environmental goals in its bylaws.
Like other large food and beverage companies, Danone also faces challenges and criticism related to plastic packaging, sugar content in some products and the environmental impact of dairy production.
Danone in Brazil
Danone has been present in Brazil for decades and became known for products such as Danoninho, Activia and Danone yogurts, which are very popular among Brazilian families. The company has factories in the country and adapts products to local tastes.
Curiosities about Danone
- The company began by selling yogurt in pharmacies, not supermarkets.
- The brand name comes from the founder’s son.
- In the United States, the same company’s yogurts are sold under the Dannon name.
- Danone’s water brands include some of the best-known mineral waters in the world.
Lessons from Danone’s story
- Focus on a clear idea: the company built its identity around fermentation and health.
- Adapt to each market: different names, products and flavors for different countries.
- Evolve with consumer trends: from dairy to plant-based products and specialized nutrition.
How yogurt is made
Yogurt is the result of fermentation. Milk is first heated, which changes its proteins and helps create a thicker texture, then cooled to a warm temperature. Live bacterial cultures, traditionally Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, are added. These bacteria feed on lactose, the natural sugar in milk, and produce lactic acid. The acid makes milk proteins coagulate, creating the thick texture and tangy flavor of yogurt. Depending on the product, fruit, sugar, flavors or additional probiotic strains are added later.
Greek-style yogurt is strained to remove part of the whey, which makes it thicker and higher in protein per serving.
Yogurt and health
Yogurt provides protein, calcium and other nutrients, and many people with lactose intolerance tolerate it better than milk because part of the lactose is consumed during fermentation. Some yogurts contain probiotics, live microorganisms that may offer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, although effects depend on the specific strain and the person. Plain yogurts without added sugar are generally the healthiest choice; flavored yogurts can contain a significant amount of sugar, so reading labels is important.
The global yogurt market
Yogurt has become one of the most popular dairy products in the world, with strong traditions in regions such as the Middle East, the Balkans, Central Asia and India, where fermented milk has been consumed for centuries. Global food companies such as Danone helped popularize industrial yogurt in many new markets, adapting flavors and formats to local tastes. Today, the category includes drinkable yogurts, high-protein versions, plant-based alternatives made from soy, oats, almonds or coconut and products for children.
Plant-based and specialized nutrition
Like other large food companies, Danone has invested in plant-based products and specialized nutrition, including infant formula and medical nutrition for people with specific health needs. These areas reflect changes in consumer preferences and an aging population in many countries. Specialized nutrition products are regulated and should be used according to health professionals' guidance.
Reading yogurt labels
- Ingredients: shorter lists usually mean simpler products.
- Added sugars: compare grams per serving.
- Protein: Greek-style and skyr-type yogurts usually have more.
- Live and active cultures: some labels indicate their presence.
- Fat content: whole, low-fat or nonfat options suit different preferences.
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Conclusion
The history of Danone shows how a family business that started with yogurt in Barcelona grew into a global food company. Its trajectory combines innovation in fermented products, international expansion and a growing focus on sustainability. More than just yogurt, Danone is a reflection of how eating habits and food companies have changed over the last century.