Danone has shifted a portion of its YoPro drinkable high-protein yogurt production to a facility in Bucharest, Romania. This strategic move aims to enhance operational efficiency. The Bucharest plant will now handle the Tetra Pak format of YoPro drinks specifically for markets within Central and Eastern Europe, including Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovakia.
In a statement, Danone emphasized that the relocation was driven by efficiency considerations. The remaining products in the YoPro line, which include protein yogurt pots and drinkable protein yogurts packaged in recyclable plastic bottles, will continue to be manufactured at their facilities in Aldaya, Spain, and Bierun, Poland.
Located in Romania, Danone’s Bucharest factory is its only production site in the country and is dedicated exclusively to dairy products. Notably, 60% of its output is distributed within Romania, while 30% is exported to 14 other European nations. The factory employs around 150 staff and boasts an average production capacity of 56,000 to 65,000 tonnes annually, contributing to the overall workforce of 400 that Danone has in Romania.
Recently, Danone also announced its intention to eliminate the Nutri-Score label from its dairy and plant-based drinks sold in Europe. This decision comes after expressing dissatisfaction with revisions to the labeling initiative, which now categorizes dairy beverages alongside soft drinks. Previously, Danone had embraced the Nutri-Score label, utilizing it on its Alpro brand products in countries like France, Belgium, Spain, and Germany.
Initiated in France in 2017, Nutri-Score is a color-coded label designed to inform consumers about the nutritional value of food and beverages, rating products on a scale from A to E. However, this initiative has faced criticism, with some European countries, including Italy, arguing that it could potentially mislead consumers about product quality.
In conclusion, Danone’s recent changes reflect ongoing developments in the food and drink business, addressing production efficiencies while navigating the complexities of labeling standards in the European market. For more insights, consider signing up for a daily news round-up to stay updated on the latest food and drink consumer trends.
