Danone to acquire Australia’s Made Group
Danone expands its Asia-Pacific protein portfolio through Made Group acquisition as demand for high-protein foods surges globally, driven by health trends and weight-loss drug usage.
AUSTRALIA – French food company Danone has announced it will acquire Australia’s Made Group, expanding its footprint in high-protein foods across the Asia-Pacific region as global demand rises among consumers using weight-loss drugs.
Made Group produces Cocobella coconut water, yoghurt and Rokeby protein smoothies, and reported sales of more than €300 million (US$344 million) in the year to June 2026, with what Danone described as “very, very strong double-digit growth.”
Danone deputy CEO Juergen Esser told Reuters: “High-protein yoghurts are flying off the shelf in Australia and New Zealand,” adding that these are markets where Danone currently has limited presence in such categories.
Esser said demand for protein-rich products is accelerating as consumers using weight-loss medications seek to maintain muscle mass, contributing to a broader global shift toward high-protein diets.
The acquisition, whose value was not disclosed, forms part of Danone’s strategy of bolt-on acquisitions aimed at strengthening its position in health-focused food categories. The company recently acquired nutritional meals maker Huel in March and U.S.-based Kate Farms last year.
Danone said the Made Group will be a “meaningful contributor” to its essential dairy and plant-based division in Asia-Pacific, improving operating margins and earnings per share from the first year after completion.
Made Group chief executive Amanda Butler said: “Today marks an exciting next chapter for MADE. Led by our mantra of ‘making healthy happy’, we are proud to have built a portfolio of trusted brands and innovative products that consistently deliver better on nutrition, taste and quality.”
She added: “Danone shares our commitment to health and a passion for innovation, and we are excited about what comes next. Together we will access new infrastructure, capabilities and R&D expertise to accelerate our growth across the region.”
Danone also confirmed it will acquire the remaining 49% stake in its fresh dairy joint venture with Saputo Dairy Australia, giving it greater operational flexibility across the business.
Both transactions are expected to close in the second half of the year, subject to regulatory approvals.
Meanwhile, Danone has continued restructuring its global portfolio, including plans related to Lifeway Foods in the United States. The company is set to sell its 23% stake in the kefir manufacturer for US$67.4 million.
Danone first invested in Lifeway in 1999, acquiring an initial 15% stake for US$6.5 million, marking a long-term but now winding investment in the fermented dairy company.
The strategic moves reflect Danone’s broader push to align its portfolio with growing global demand for high-protein, health-oriented nutrition products.
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