Danone enters Indian baby nutrition market

Danone has signed an agreement with Indian pharmaceutical company Wockhardt Group to acquire its nutrition business and enter the baby nutrition and medical nutrition markets in India. Under the agreement, Danone will acquire Wockhardt’s nutrition business and brands as well as its related industrial operations from Carol Info Service (located in Punjab, India) for a total of approximately EUR250 million. The strong brand awareness of Wockhardt’s Dexolac, Farex and Nusobee baby nutrition products and credibility with healthcare professionals will accelerate Danone’s entry into the country’s baby nutrition market, the French dairy giant says. With over 25 million children born each year, India is the fastest-growing infant nutrition market in the world.

In addition, the nutritional supplement brand Protinex will give Danone a strong foundation for developing its medical nutrition business. The acquisition will also provide Danone access to a distribution network with nationwide reach.