Actimel keeps Danone healthy

FRANCE – Dairy continues to be the stronghold of biscuit, water and fresh dairy group Danone, with sales for the division streaking ahead of the company’s other operations.

According to the company’s financial results for 2004, Danone’s dairy business brought in growth of 10.5% in 2004. That compares with 7% for the water-dependant beverages business and 39% for its biscuit concerns.

The jewel in the company’s crown continues to be its Actimel probiotic ‘little bottle’ drink, which it will roll out in the US this year in the hope of duplicating its European success.

Overall though, the company’s figures have been blighted by a $600 million writedown of its water-cooler business in January. That means that profit tumbles 62% on 2003.

In Europe, traditionally a strong area for Danone, sales for the full year were up 4.6% to