Danone is predicting stronger than expected Q1 sales and said it is on track to deliver higher sales and profits this year.

Cost cuts, rising baby food sales in Asia, and an improvement at its dairy business in Europe will all help Danone deliver higher sales and profits this year despite volatile emerging markets, the French food group said yesterday.

Danone, the world’s biggest yoghurt maker, gave a higher sales goal for the first time in four years yesterday as it pledged to boost profitability at its fresh-dairy business, which represents more than half of the French company’s revenue.

EVERY human gut contains trillions of bacteria: it’s a startling figure, but here’s another that is just as arresting — the probiotic market, aimed at maintaining a healthy gut, is worth a whopping €25 billion worldwide. 

Danone, owner of Activia yoghurt and Evian water, will spend about €325m to form a joint venture and invest in China’s biggest dairy producer to expand its brands in the most populous nation.

So-called low-fat foods can contain a similar number of calories as the standard versions — and might have more sugar, according to a study.

A HOST of popular health drinks in the multi-billion euro pro-biotic market could be banned because they are inadequate, ineffective and cannot prove their medical claims, the EU has ruled.

THE High Court will tomorrow begin hearing a multi-million-euro suit taken against Glanbia by French food giant Danone.