Lily Sawyer is an in-house writer for APAC Outlook Magazine, where she is responsible for interviewing corporate executives and crafting original features for the magazine, corporate...
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Danone is expanding its footprint in Asia Pacific through the acquisition of MADE Group and full ownership of its Australian dairy venture, reinforcing its healthy nutrition ambitions.
Danone has announced two strategic acquisitions designed to strengthen its position in the fast-growing healthy nutrition market across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
The company has entered into definitive agreements to acquire Australia-based MADE Group, whilst also securing the remaining 49 percent stake in its existing fresh dairy joint venture with Saputo Dairy Australia.
Together, the transactions are expected to create new opportunities for profitable growth across APAC, whilst enhancing Danone’s ability to meet increasing consumer demand for health-focused nutrition products.
EXPANDING A HEALTH-FOCUSED PORTFOLIO
The acquisition of MADE Group brings a rapidly growing portfolio of brands that are closely aligned with some of the strongest consumer trends in food and nutrition.
Headquartered in Melbourne, MADE has built a reputation for innovation and marketing excellence, supported by a comprehensive route-to-market strategy and supply chain network. Its portfolio includes high-protein ready-to-drink products, gut-health yoghurts, and coconut-based offerings, all categories benefiting from increasing consumer interest in healthier lifestyles.
The company has established a strong presence across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, consistently delivering double-digit growth alongside attractive margins.
With sales exceeding €300 million for the fiscal year ending June 2026, MADE is expected to become a meaningful contributor to Danone’s Essential Dairy and Plant-Based (EDP) business in APAC. The acquisition is also expected to be accretive to both Danone’s operating margin and earnings per share from the first year following completion.
BUILDING ON AN ESTABLISHED AUSTRALIAN PRESENCE
Alongside the MADE acquisition, Danone will acquire the remaining stake in its fresh dairy joint venture with Saputo Dairy Australia.
The partnership has enabled Danone to establish a strong position in Australia’s functional yoghurt category, supported by flagship brands including YoPRO, Activia, and Ultimate.
By taking full ownership of the business, Danone aims to increase operational flexibility and further strengthen its position within the Australian market.
Both transactions remain subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, with completion expected during the second half of 2026.
ADVANCING THE RENEW STRATEGY
Commenting on the announcement, Danone’s CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique described the transactions as another step forward in the company’s Renew Strategy.
He highlighted MADE’s strong portfolio of healthy nutritional products, particularly within the gut health and protein segments, as well as its proven ability to deliver rapid and profitable growth.
“This is another example of our Renew strategy at work: combining a strong focus on organic growth with targeted investments that further enhance our ability to meet demand for healthy nutrition”
The acquisitions also reflect Danone’s broader approach of combining organic growth with targeted investments that enhance its ability to serve growing demand for healthy nutrition solutions.
ACCELERATING REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
For MADE Group, the agreement marks the beginning of a new phase of growth.
CEO Amanda Butler said the company had built a portfolio of trusted brands and innovative products focused on delivering improvements in nutrition, taste, and quality.
She added that Danone’s shared commitment to health and innovation would provide access to new infrastructure, capabilities, and research and development expertise.
“Together, we will access new infrastructure, capabilities and R&D expertise to accelerate our growth across the region. We are proud of what the team has built, and excited about what comes next”
The combination is expected to help accelerate MADE’s expansion across the region, whilst creating additional opportunities to strengthen its position within the healthy nutrition market.
As consumer demand for protein-rich, functional, and health-oriented food products continues to rise across APAC, the transaction positions both companies to capitalise on some of the region’s most attractive long-term growth trends.
This article was produced by the editorial team at APAC Outlook and published as part of the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines.
Outlook Publishing delivers industry insights, company stories, and sector coverage across manufacturing, mining, construction, healthcare, supply chains, food production, and sustainability.
APAC Outlook provides ongoing coverage of organisations and developments shaping industries across the Asia-Pacific region.
Lily Sawyer is an in-house writer for APAC Outlook Magazine, where she is responsible for interviewing corporate executives and crafting original features for the magazine, corporate brochures, and the digital platform.
