Dannon Unveils Sweeping Clean-Label, Transparency Pledge

Yogurt giant Dannon is yet another Big Food company making clean label the “new norm" with a pledge to further improve its sustainable agriculture practices for its milk supply, increase transparency for its portfolio of products and evolve to more natural and fewer ingredients for flagship brands.

The move follows the clean-label lead of several other Big Food companies, including General Mills, Kellogg Co., Nestlé, Kraft Foods, and Campbell Soup Company.

Starting July 2016, the company will move to more natural ingredients which do not contain genetically modified ingredients (GMOs) for its flagship brands—Oikos, Danimals and Dannon—which represent 50 percent of the company’s current volume. To ensure full transparency for consumers, Dannon also commits to declare by December 2017 nationwide on label the presence of GMO ingredients in its products. In the meantime, if one state implements a GMO labeling requirement—since Dannon does favor a nationwide labeling system—it will label the presence of GMOs nationwide according to the state requirements.

The company also will work with its farmer partners to ensure the cows that supply Dannon’s milk for the flagship products will be fed non-GMO feed by the end of 2018. Dannon also pledged to offer products coming from a more sustainable agriculture by working with its dairy farmer partners and their suppliers to progressively implement the use of sustainable agriculture practices and technology that leads to better soil health, better water management, an increase in biodiversity, and a decrease in carbon emission.

According to the company, the changes will enable consumers to make everyday choices for themselves, their family and children consistent with their wish for natural and sustainable eating options, choosing which agricultural and environmental model they favor. The company plans to evolve other brands in its portfolio over time.

Download INSIDER’s “Clean-Label Bars," “Clean-Label Beverage" and “Keeping it Clean" Digital Issues to find out more about science-based ingredients and formulation strategies manufacturers are using to create clean-label products.