Danone, a leading food and beverage company, announced on Friday that it will invest an additional €20 million to enhance its specialized nutrition facility located in Lalru, Punjab, over the next four years. Alongside this investment, the company is launching a three-year initiative aimed at training approximately 5,000 smallholder dairy farmers in the region on sustainable farming practices. This program seeks to increase milk production, improve farmer incomes, and promote better animal welfare.
Antoine de Saint-Affrique, CEO of Danone, emphasized the importance of India as a growth market for the company. He stated, “We are committed to fostering inclusive growth for all our farming partners and local manufacturing. This initiative aligns with Danone’s ongoing support for local farming communities in India. We believe that our success is intertwined with that of our farmer partners, and it is essential to collaborate with them to create shared value.”
The farmer development program will be implemented in collaboration with BAIF Development Research Foundation. It will focus on various areas, including animal health, manure management, livestock care, and community involvement.
Vikram Agarwal, Chief Operations Officer at Danone, noted, “We source specialized nutrition-grade milk from over 5,000 small dairy farmers across 100 villages surrounding our Lalru plant. Our partnership emphasizes expansion through inclusive growth, which will be crucial in helping our farmer partners enhance their yields and livelihoods while increasing the supply of high-quality milk for Danone as we invest in expanding our plant’s capacity. Together, we are fostering mutual growth for a brighter future.”
Danone is a global food and beverage company known for its focus on health and nutrition. Headquartered in France, Danone operates in over 120 countries, offering a wide range of products, including dairy, plant-based foods, bottled water, infant nutrition, and medical nutrition. Some of its well-known brands include Activia, Evian, and Aptamil.
Danone places a strong emphasis on sustainability, aiming to promote healthy eating habits and environmental responsibility. The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, supporting sustainable agriculture, and promoting social responsibility through various global initiatives.
