At Danone, we believe that the rise of plant-based foods is intimately related to the ongoing Food Revolution: a movement aimed at nurturing the adoption of healthier, more sustainable eating and drinking habits. The plant-based category is a prime example of this paradigm change, illustrated by plant-based consumers shifting from a niche audience to an ever-expanding pool of flexitarians over the past few years. By listening to customers’ demands and rethinking the boundaries between our different offerings, Danone is well paced to keep up with the latest trends!
It is our responsibility as a global food company to embrace the changing consumer environment. We are launching innovative, convenient products and formats appropriate for consumption throughout different ages and moments of the day. We are also bearing in mind the needs of the new food generation as well as plant-based consumers’ main drivers which are naturality, taste, sustainability and health1 in a context where over a third of people identify themselves as flexitarian2 (person who has a primarily vegetarian diet but occasionally eats meat or fish).
[1] Source: Plant-based drivers and barriers 2017
[2] US market – Matsson Survey
The acquisition of WhiteWave was fundamental in enriching our offer with even more healthy and enjoyable products having a greater positive impact on people and the planet. Consumers can benefit from a strong expertise in plant-based products with Alpro, Silk and So Delicious brands. Alpro has its roots in Belgium back in 1980, after pioneering food producer Philippe Vandermoortele developed a way to turn soy into a milk-inspired drink. Founded in 1977 in the United States, WhiteWave, the company where Silk has its roots, began with soy as its big bet in-market.
The success of core plant-based beverages and alternatives to yogurts is now expanding to new offers. Our brands are taking plant-based to the maximum by exploring as many opportunities as possible: from the core soy and almond ranges to a broader choice with new ingredients such as oat, cashew, coconut, rice, and even blends. High protein, new and easy on-the-go formats and indulgent treats are also on the rise:
In addition to being increasingly aware of the impact that food and drink have on their health, consumers are also preoccupied by the ramifications of their consumption habits on the health of the planet. In order to answer these needs, Danone’s plant-based brands combine delicious offerings with responsible business practices:
- In the case of Alpro, 60% of the conventional soy beans used are grown in Europe(and even 100% for organic soy beans). All soy beans are non-GMO and do not come from deforested areas.
- Silk Soymilk is a non-GMO Project Verified, using only high-quality soybeans grown in the USA.
- So Delicious, Alpro, and Silk are certified B Corporations, meaning that they meet the highest standards of overall social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability and aspire to use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.
We believe a healthy body needs healthy food, which needs a healthy planet to thrive in. All with healthy ecosystems and resilient social structures. We believe in a food and water ecosystem that works in harmony with people, communities and the environment. Plant-based products at Danone are not only evolving according to shifting consumer needs, they are helping us build a strong, sustainable path towards our ‘One Planet. One Health’ vision.