Danone has announced a €70m investment in a new production line for tube-feeding products in France, focusing on its oral nutritional supplement range under Nutricia. This investment aligns with Danone’s Renew Danone strategy, showcasing its commitment to meeting evolving healthcare demands.
The Steenvoorde site in northern France, which has been operational for 110 years, will produce approximately 20 million litres of medical nutrition annually. Danone is dedicated to developing products tailored to the changing nutritional needs of millions worldwide, leveraging its 125 years of expertise in the field.
CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique emphasized Danone’s responsibility to promote healthy living across generations. The company’s medical nutrition business is a key component of its specialized nutrition division, accounting for 40% of sales within the segment.
In addition to the production line investment, Danone plans to allocate €10m towards infrastructure enhancements at the Steenvoorde site, including a biomass boiler that will significantly reduce the site’s carbon footprint by nearly 70%.
The site currently manufactures Danone’s specialized nutrition products for early life, such as the Gallia and Blédina brands. In 2023, Danone’s specialized nutrition segment generated €8.5bn, with a recurring operating profit of €1.77bn.
Earlier this year, Danone secured a deal to acquire Functional Formularies, further expanding its enteral tube-feeding range. The company continues to invest in its medical nutrition segment, with recent expansions in Poland and Turkey, as well as product line extensions in China for adults with special medical needs.
