FRANCE – Danone, the world’s leading producer of fresh dairy products by volume, has announced that this market was its biggest growth sector in 2003.

Fresh dairy products saw an increase of 9.6% in terms of revenues, including a 10.1% increase in yogurt and similar product lines.

In a trading statement , the company added that the market conditions had been favourable in Europe and the USA over recent years, and that by introducing new, health-orientated products, the company can continue to expand.

Furthermore, it said that the premium associated with innovative products would help raise the total value of the market for fresh dairy products.

The company’s main market for dairy goods is Europe, where it makes 76% of its dairy sales and has seen 75% of its Actimel range’s growth.