Danone has agreed to acquire Australia’s MADE Group and buy the remaining 49% stake in its Australian fresh dairy joint venture with Saputo Dairy Australia, strengthening its position in the fast-growing healthy nutrition market across the Asia-Pacific region.
The transactions, announced on 22 June, are expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
What is the deal?
The agreement combines Danone’s existing dairy operations with MADE’s portfolio of health-focused food brands, including high-protein ready-to-drink products, gut-health yoghurts and coconut-based products. The move is designed to accelerate Danone’s growth in healthy nutrition across Asia-Pacific.
At a Glance
- Danone will acquire Australia’s MADE Group.
- MADE generated more than €300 million in sales in FY2026.
- The company operates across Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.
- Danone will acquire the remaining 49% stake in its Australian dairy joint venture with Saputo Dairy Australia.
- The transactions are expected to close in the second half of 2026.
- The deals strengthen Danone’s position in the healthy nutrition market across Asia-Pacific.
- High-protein and gut-health products remain among the fastest-growing categories in FMCG.
Why is Danone acquiring MADE Group?
Melbourne-based MADE has built a strong portfolio of brands aligned with changing consumer preferences for healthier foods and beverages. The company has consistently delivered double-digit growth and attractive margins and recorded sales of more than €300 million for the fiscal year ending June 2026.
MADE has established a significant presence in Australia and has expanded across New Zealand and Southeast Asia, giving Danone additional scale in several high-growth markets.
The acquisition is also expected to contribute to Danone’s Essential Dairy and Plant-Based business in Asia-Pacific and be accretive to operating margin and earnings per share from the first year.
What does the deal mean for Danone’s Australian dairy business?
Alongside the MADE acquisition, Danone will take full ownership of its Australian fresh dairy joint venture by purchasing the remaining stake held by Saputo Dairy Australia.
Through the partnership, Danone has built a solid position in functional yoghurt through brands including YoPRO, Activia and Ultimate. Full ownership is expected to give the company greater operational flexibility and a stronger platform for future growth.
Why does this matter for supermarkets?
The acquisition highlights the growing importance of health and wellness products in supermarket aisles. Categories such as high-protein dairy, functional yoghurts, digestive health products and plant-based nutrition continue to attract strong consumer demand across many international markets.
For grocery retailers, the deal could lead to further product innovation and a broader range of health-focused offerings as global food companies increase investment in premium nutrition categories.
The transaction also underlines the growing importance of the Australia FMCG sector, where demand for high-protein, gut-health and functional nutrition products continues to attract investment from global food companies.
Industry Context
Large food manufacturers are increasingly using acquisitions to gain access to fast-growing health and wellness categories rather than building new brands internally. The healthy nutrition segment has become one of the most attractive areas of investment in the global FMCG industry, particularly in Asia-Pacific, where consumers are increasingly seeking products that support active lifestyles and overall wellbeing.
Danone’s latest transactions reflect this broader trend and further strengthen its presence in one of the world’s most dynamic food and beverage markets.
What Happens Next?
The transactions are expected to close during the second half of 2026 following regulatory approvals. Once completed, Danone is likely to use its expanded manufacturing, research and distribution capabilities to accelerate growth across Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia while strengthening its position in healthy nutrition.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on information released by Danone on 22 June 2026 regarding its planned acquisition of Australia’s MADE Group and the purchase of the remaining stake in its Australian fresh dairy joint venture with Saputo Dairy Australia. Financial figures, transaction details and market information are sourced from the company’s official announcement.
