DanoneWave cuts sugar, fat across Dannon portfolio in the U.S.

To achieve its goals, DanoneWave reformulated Danimals Smoothies and introduced Oikos Triple Zero Greek nonfat yogurt.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — DanoneWave, the North American operations of Danone S.A., has reduced fat and sugar while increasing key nutrients such as protein, fiber and vitamin D across the Dannon portfolio of products in the United States. The changes were made since the beginning of a three-year commitment period announced July 2013 with Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA). Danone S.A. said it invested more than $3 million in nutrition research and education.

To achieve its goals, DanoneWave reformulated some of its products, including Danimals Smoothies, and introduced new products, such as Oikos Triple Zero Greek nonfat yogurt, which contains zero added sugars and no artificial sweeteners.

Sergio Fuster, president of DanoneWave’s yogurt portfolio in the U.S.

“We’re pleased to say that Dannon achieved its goals while maintaining the great taste of our products and contributing to our market share growth during the reporting period2,” said Sergio Fuster, president of DanoneWave’s yogurt portfolio in the U.S. “In fact, our sales increased while these important changes were being made, indicating that consumers are looking for these kinds of improvements in their favorite brands.”

In 2013, DanoneWave committed to a 10% improvement in nutrient density across the total Dannon portfolio by decreasing total sugar and fat while increasing protein, fiber and vitamin D. By the end of the third year, the company slightly had surpassed the goal with an overall nutrition density improvement of 10.06%, helped by the introduction of such products as Activia Fruit Fusion, Oikos Triple Zero, and Light & Fit Greek Mousse and Yogurt Drinks.

DanoneWave introduced Light & Fit Greek Mousse and Yogurt Drinks.

DanoneWave exceeded its goal in fat reduction. The company committed to reducing the amount of fat across the portfolio so that 75% of products in volume sold would be nonfat or low-fat. At the end of the period, 87% of Dannon products were nonfat or low-fat.

As part of its sugar reduction efforts, DanoneWave pledged to decrease the amount of total sugar to 23 grams or less per 6-oz serving in all children’s products and 70% of its products overall. The company reached its goal for children’s products and exceeded the goal for all products; today 78% of its volume of products sold contain 23 grams of sugar or less per 6-oz serving.

DanoneWave committed to a 10% improvement in nutrient density, which was helped by such launches as Activia Fruit Fusion.

“Our mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible,” Mr. Fuster said. “As the nation’s leading yogurt maker, we have the opportunity to help improve consumers’ diets, providing them with widely accessible nutritious and sustainable food options. Although we surpassed our ambitious commitments to PHA, we are continuing to seek additional ways to improve the diet of Americans.”