Business in Focus: Danone North America

A closer look at companies executing leadership excellence

 

You may not immediately recognize the Danone logo, but you’ve likely enjoyed some of its many yogurt products like Dannon, Wallaby, or Oikos. Not only is Danone North America one of the top food and beverage companies in the U.S., but its commitment to social and environmental responsibility is evident in its products, its people, and its impact. The origins of the company’s slogan, “One Planet. One Health” can be traced to 1919 Barcelona, Spain, when the founder’s son, Daniel, was among many of the city’s children who suffered from digestive problems. That’s when Isaac Carasso dove into making yogurt, convinced of cultured milk products’ ability to strengthen the children’s digestive systems.

Naming the product after his son’s nickname, Danon, Carasso began to sell Danone yogurt to pharmacies in 1919. From the first porcelain jars of creamy yogurt sold as a health product, the 100-year old company remains committed to bringing health through food to as many people as possible.

Today, Danone is the largest Certified B (or for Benefit) Corporation® in the world. Its 6,000 North American team members work together to use business as a force for good every day. That good starts with how the company treats its team members.  Some of its people-centered efforts include a 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index and 2019 Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.

On a global scale, Danone publishes its annual contribution to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 goals such as No poverty, Zero Hunger, Climate Action, and Life Below Water.

Kudos to Danone for modeling a “culture” of impact that nourishes lives and inspires a healthier world through food. To learn more about Danone North America’s purpose, click here.

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