Drinks perform well for Danone - Danone Group financial results - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Eurofood, Feb 13, 2001

French dairy and water giant Danone has seen a sales increase of 7.5%, reaching a value of some [euro]14.2bn, with profits standing at [euro]721m, a 5.7% rise. In its preliminary unaudited results for 2000, Danone has seen its performance boosted by revenue from its drinks and dairy businesses. Danone described its sales increase as 'vigorous'.

Danone's drinks division, which represents around 29% of the French concern's revenues, registered a sales increase of 8.4%. Danone has been surrounded by controversy in France of late, as a leaked memo revealed that the company was planning to close as many as ten of its European factories from its biscuit operations. There has since been the call for strikes. It is feared that up to 3 000 jobs would be cut. Danone has refused to confirm any such plans, but has said that it will issue a statement regarding the situation in April.

Danone unaudited 2000 operating income ([euro]m)

                      2000   1999

Dairy products         712    655
Beverages              513    440
Biscuits               282    222
Other food business     49     59
Containers               -     51
Group                1 549  1 391

Source: Danone