Twin transactions strengthen Danone’s position in high-growth health and wellness categories, expanding its footprint across protein, gut health and functional nutrition markets in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia Danone…

Twin transactions strengthen Danone’s position in high-growth health and wellness categories, expanding its footprint across protein, gut health and functional nutrition markets in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia

Danone has announced two strategic acquisitions aimed at significantly strengthening its presence in the fast-growing health and wellness nutrition segment across the Asia-Pacific region, reinforcing the company’s long-term growth ambitions under its Renew strategy.

The French food and nutrition major has entered into definitive agreements to acquire MADE Group, one of Australia’s fastest-growing health-focused food companies, while also purchasing the remaining 49 percent stake in its existing fresh dairy joint venture with Saputo Dairy Australia. Together, the transactions are expected to enhance Danone’s regional scale, deepen its exposure to high-growth consumer health trends and strengthen its operating platform across key Asia-Pacific markets.

The acquisition of Melbourne-headquartered MADE Group gives Danone access to a portfolio of rapidly growing brands positioned in some of the most dynamic categories within the food and beverage industry, including high-protein ready-to-drink beverages, gut-health yoghurts and coconut-based nutrition products.

Over the years, MADE has established itself as a leading player in the health-focused consumer foods segment, combining strong innovation capabilities with effective brand-building, marketing expertise and an integrated route-to-market infrastructure. The company has built a substantial presence not only in Australia but also across New Zealand and several Southeast Asian markets, creating a strong platform for further regional expansion.

For the fiscal year ending June 2026, MADE is expected to generate sales exceeding €300 million, reflecting consistent double-digit growth and attractive profitability. Once integrated, the business is expected to become a meaningful contributor to Danone’s Essential Dairy and Plant-Based (EDP) operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

The transaction is also projected to be immediately value-accretive, contributing positively to both Danone’s operating margin and earnings per share from the first year following completion.

Industry observers view the deal as a strategic fit for Danone, given the increasing consumer demand for products that support digestive health, protein intake and overall wellness. These categories continue to outperform traditional food segments as consumers across Asia-Pacific seek healthier and more functional nutrition options.

Complementing the MADE acquisition, Danone has also agreed to acquire the remaining stake in its Australian fresh dairy joint venture with Saputo Dairy Australia, providing the company with full ownership and operational control of the business.

The joint venture has served as an important pillar of Danone’s Australian dairy operations, helping establish a strong position in the country’s functional yoghurt category through flagship brands including YoPRO, Activia and Ultimate.

By securing complete ownership, Danone expects to gain greater strategic flexibility, improve operational efficiency and accelerate decision-making as it continues to invest in the growing demand for functional dairy products and health-oriented nutrition solutions.

The acquisitions reflect Danone’s broader strategy of combining organic growth with targeted investments in categories and geographies that align closely with evolving consumer preferences.

“It marks another step in the execution of our Renew Strategy,” said Antoine de Saint-Affrique, Chief Executive Officer of Danone. “With its strong portfolio of brands and healthy nutritional products focused on gut health and protein, MADE has demonstrated an impressive track record of rapid and profitable growth. We share the same belief in health through food and are excited to welcome the company into the Danone family.”

He added that acquiring the remaining stake in the Australian dairy venture would further strengthen Danone’s operational flexibility and ability to respond to increasing consumer demand for healthier nutrition choices across the region.

“Both transactions illustrate our Renew strategy in action—combining strong organic growth with carefully targeted investments that enhance our ability to serve consumers and capture long-term growth opportunities,” he said.

For MADE Group, the transaction marks the beginning of a new phase of expansion supported by Danone’s global capabilities, research expertise and international scale.

“It marks an exciting next chapter for MADE,” said Amanda Butler, Chief Executive Officer of MADE Group. “Guided by our purpose of making healthy happy, we have built a portfolio of trusted brands and innovative products that consistently deliver on nutrition, taste and quality. Danone shares our commitment to health and innovation, and together we will gain access to new infrastructure, capabilities and research expertise that will help accelerate growth across the region.”

The acquisition is expected to provide MADE with enhanced resources to further expand its product portfolio and geographic reach while continuing to capitalize on consumer demand for functional foods and beverages.

The transactions come at a time when the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as one of the world’s most attractive markets for health-focused nutrition products. Rising disposable incomes, growing awareness of preventive health, increasing demand for protein-rich diets and a heightened focus on digestive wellness are driving sustained growth across multiple food and beverage categories.

By bringing MADE into its portfolio and taking full ownership of its Australian dairy business, Danone is positioning itself to capture a larger share of this expanding opportunity while strengthening its leadership in functional nutrition, dairy innovation and wellness-oriented consumer products.

Both acquisitions remain subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions and are expected to be completed during the second half of 2026. Once finalized, the transactions will further reinforce Danone’s presence in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, while supporting the company’s ambition to become a leading force in the future of health-focused nutrition across the Asia-Pacific region.