Danone acquires MADE Group & 49% stake in Saputo Dairy Australia

AUSTRALIA – Danone has acquired MADE Group, a fast-growing Australia-based company with a health-focused portfolio and the remaining 49% stake in its existing fresh dairy joint venture with Saputo Dairy Australia.

The two definitive agreements enable the company to expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region in the fast-growing healthy nutrition space:

Acquisition of MADE Group

MADE has a portfolio of well-established brands aligned with high-growth consumer trends, particularly in health-focused food products, including high-protein ready-to-drink products, gut-health yoghurts and coconut-based products.

The Melbourne-based company combines a proven track record in innovation with best-in-class marketing capabilities, and a comprehensive route to market and supply chain.

MADE has a significant presence in its home country, Australia, as well as in New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

It has consistently delivered double-digit growth and attractive margins and, with sales of more than €300 million for the fiscal year ending June 2026, would represent a meaningful contributor to Danone’s EDP business in APAC. The deal would be accretive to Danone’s Operating margin and EPS from year 1.

Acquisition of remaining stake in existing fresh dairy joint venture in Australia

Complementing this acquisition, Danone also announces it will acquire the remaining 49% stake in its fresh dairy joint venture with Saputo Dairy Australia.

Through this partnership, Danone has established a solid presence in functional yoghurts in Australia, anchored in three flagship brands, YoPRO, Activia and Ultimate.

The transactions are subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and are expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.

“Today marks another step in the execution of our Renew Strategy. With its strong portfolio of brands and healthy nutritional products, focusing on gut health and protein, MADE shows an impressive track record of rapid and profitable growth. We share the same belief in health through food and are excited to welcome them into the Danone family,” Antoine de Saint-Affrique, CEO of Danone, reported.

Meanwhile, Danone has continued restructuring its global portfolio, including plans related to Lifeway Foods in the United States. The company is set to sell its 23% stake in the kefir manufacturer for US$67.4 million. 

Danone first invested in Lifeway in 1999, acquiring an initial 15% stake for US$6.5 million, marking a long-term but now winding investment in the fermented dairy company. 

The strategic moves reflect Danone’s broader push to align its portfolio with growing global demand for high-protein, health-oriented nutrition products. 

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