Danone USA to shut down its Bridgeton Dairy-Alternatives Site

USA – Danone has announced plans to close its dairy-alternatives manufacturing facility in Bridgeton, New Jersey.

The facility currently manufactures beverages sold under the Silk and So Delicious Dairy Free brands.

According to the company, production from the Bridgeton plant will be redistributed to facilities in Mt. Crawford, Virginia; Dallas, Texas; and Jacksonville, Florida. The French food company confirmed the site will close Aug. 4.

“This change is part of a broader effort to transform our network and enables our investment in critical capabilities across our core U.S. footprint for the long term,” Danone said.

The closure comes as the company works through challenges in its North American plant-based segment.

During Danone’s 2025 earnings discussion in February, CFO Juergen Esser described the company’s North American plant-based performance as “unsatisfactory” in 2024.

Market data suggests growth in the dairy-alternative category has slowed. According to a report from the Good Food Institute, plant-based dairy alternatives remained the largest plant-based food category in the U.S. in 2025, generating $2.7 billion in sales and accounting for 13% of total retail milk sales.

However, overall plant-based dairy alternative sales declined 2% year-over-year.

The global plant-based milk market size was estimated at USD 20.84 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 32.35 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2025 to 2030, according to Grand View Research.

Consumers are increasingly seeking dairy alternatives due to lactose intolerance, allergies, and the desire for lower-calorie, nutrient-rich options.

Furthermore, technological advancements and innovation in product development have improved the taste and texture of plant-based milks, making them more appealing.

In addition, the rising popularity of veganism and flexitarianism, as more people around the world switch to plant-based diets, has expanded the consumer base.

Manufacturers are continually investing in research and development to improve the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of plant-based milks.

Advances in food technology have enabled the creation of plant-based milks that closely mimic the creaminess and mouthfeel of cow’s milk, further contributing to its increasing acceptance among the consumers.

Almond milk accounted for a revenue share of 56.0% in 2023. Almond milk is low in calories compared to other plant-based milks, making it an attractive option for weight-conscious consumers.

The oat milk market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2024 to 2030. Oat milk is rich in dietary fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels.

The plant-based milk market in the U.S. is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2024 to 2030. The U.S. market benefits from extensive innovation and variety in plant-based milks.

Companies are continuously developing new products and flavors, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.

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