The Danone story
Isaac Carasso started making yoghurt in Barcelona in 1919 and named his company Danone, after his son Daniel, nicknamed "Danon". Daniel moved the business to France and later to the United States. Danone merged with BSN in the 1970s, and the group took the Danone name in 1994.
What makes Danone powerful
Danone combines a health-focused portfolio with a strong sense of purpose. Its brands include Activia, Actimel, Alpro, Evian, Volvic and Aptamil. In 2020 it became the first listed company to adopt the French "entreprise à mission" status, which writes social and environmental goals into its articles.
Danone today
Danone S.A. is listed in Paris and led by Antoine de Saint-Affrique. Many of its businesses are B Corp certified. The company has focused on health-led categories such as high-protein, gut health and specialised nutrition.
What comes next for Danone
Danone's next phase centres on health and nutrition science, along with efficiency gains.
Why Danone ranks #62
Brand Positioning & Recall (72.0) and Sustainability, Governance & ESG (72.0) carry Danone's Power Score of 68.76.
Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 62.0. What would move it: Stronger digital engagement and clearer published financial reporting at brand level.
Pillar profile
Versus its nearest rivals
17 Food & Beverage brands are in the Europe 100. Danone is #11 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Danone in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Danone ranks #62 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 68.76 out of 100.
When was Danone founded and who founded it?
Danone was founded in 1919. Founder(s): Isaac Carasso.
What is Danone's weakest area?
In the 2026 assessment, Danone's lowest pillar is Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 62.0 out of 100.
Who leads Danone today?
Antoine de Saint-Affrique, CEO. The brand is owned by Danone S.A..
Where is Danone headquartered?
Danone is based in Paris, France. Its country of origin is France.
What is Danone's revenue?
€27.28bn sales (FY2025, +4.5% like-for-like), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Danone?
Isaac Carasso, living in Barcelona, made his first yoghurt in 1919 and named his company Danone after his son Daniel.
Key facts
| Brand | Danone |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Danone S.A. |
| Headquarters | Paris, France |
| Founded | 1919 |
| Founder(s) | Isaac Carasso |
| Leadership | Antoine de Saint-Affrique, CEO |
| Latest revenue | €27.28bn sales (FY2025, +4.5% like-for-like) Source |
| Sector | Food & Beverage |
| Country of origin | France |
| Signature fact | Isaac Carasso, living in Barcelona, made his first yoghurt in 1919 and named his company Danone after his son Daniel. |
| Official website | danone.com |
Danone is ranked #62 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 68.76).