Danone experiences strong start to the year thanks to China

Global food and beverage player Danone, the producer of brands such as Mizone, showed strong results in this first quarter, driven partly by the growth in the nutrition and water business in the Chinese market.

According to the company's first quarter results of 2023 released on Wednesday, the group has grossed consolidated sales 6.96 billion Euros ($7.69 billion), up 10.5 percent year-on-year.

Antoine de Saint-Affrique, CEO of Danone, said: "This first quarter showed a strong start to year 2023, supported by strong pricing and resilient volume. This performance was driven by all our categories and geographies, and notably the North America and CNAO (China, North Asia & Oceania) zones."

All categories and geographies contributed to the strong start to the year, according to the results. The region, including China, North Asia and Oceania, posted sales of 824 million Euros, up 16 percent compared with that of last year.

In China, Danone's infant nutrition products experienced a robust start to the year fueled by higher shipments, while the adult and pediatric specialties products both grew well into double digits. In Waters, Mizone showed an encouraging start to the year, amid improving operating conditions.

wangzhuoqiong@chinadaily.com.cn