Danone Deepens Asia Pacific Roots with MADE Group Deal, Eyeing High-Protein and Gut Health Growth

French food company Danone has announced that it has entered into two definitive agreements to deepen its presence in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, strengthening its foothold in the fast-growing high-protein and gut health nutrition space.

The first involves the acquisition of Australia-based MADE Group, while the second involves the acquisition of the remaining 49% stake in its existing fresh dairy joint venture with Saputo Dairy Australia. Danone stated that both transactions will create additional opportunities to enhance its profitable growth prospects across the region.

About MADE Group

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, MADE Group operates its APAC headquarters in Singapore and maintains production facilities in Thailand. The company's brand portfolio spans several high-growth health food categories, including high-protein ready-to-drink products under ROKEBY, gut-health yoghurts under The Collective, energy drinks under NutrientWater, cold-pressed plant juices and plant-based milk under Impressed, and coconut-based products under Cocobella.

Beyond its home market of Australia, MADE has expanded into New Zealand and Southeast Asia. Danone noted that the company has consistently delivered double-digit sales growth while maintaining attractive margins, with sales expected to exceed €300 million for the fiscal year ending June 2026. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to Danone's operating margin and earnings per share (EPS) from year one.

Best known for its cold-filtered protein smoothies, Rokeby has built a loyal following across Singapore, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, consistently delivering double-digit growth in the region.

Acquisition of Remaining Stake in Australian Fresh Dairy Joint Venture

Complementing the above acquisition, Danone also announced it will acquire the remaining 49% stake in its fresh dairy joint venture with Saputo Dairy Australia. Through this partnership, Danone has established a solid presence in Australia's functional yoghurt market, anchored by three flagship brands: YoPRO, Activia, and Ultimate.

Transaction Conditions and Timeline

Both transactions are subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and are expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.

Originally founded in New Zealand, The Collective has grown its gut-health yoghurt range into international markets including the UK and Asia, expanding primarily through export models.

Responses from Both Parties

Danone SA Chief Executive Officer Antoine de Saint-Affrique described the acquisition as another important step in the execution of the company's Renew Strategy. He noted that MADE's portfolio, with its focus on gut health and protein, has achieved rapid and profitable growth, and that the two companies share a common belief in health through food. He further highlighted that the acquisition of the remaining stake in the Australian fresh dairy joint venture is a further example of the Renew Strategy in action — combining a strong focus on organic growth with targeted investments.

MADE Group Chief Executive Officer Amanda Butler said the transaction marks an exciting new chapter for the company. She noted that guided by its mantra of "making healthy happy", MADE has built a portfolio of trusted brands and innovative products. She added that Danone and MADE share a common commitment to health and innovation, and that together the two companies will leverage new infrastructure, capabilities, and R&D expertise to accelerate growth across the region.

Sourcing its coconuts from Thailand and Indonesia, Cocobella has steadily grown its range of coconut water and dairy-free coconut yoghurts across Southeast Asian markets.