Latest news with #DanoneCanada
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
He took the helm at the height of tragedy. How Danone Canada's president is working to rebuild trust
After starting his career in Montreal, Frederic Guichard got the opportunity to return 26 years later, but the new president of Danone Canada's arrival was marred by tragedy — a listeria outbreak that would eventually claim three lives. The native of Nice, France, spent a year and a half in Canada in 1997-98 as part of a government-sponsored work program, serving as a marketing manager for Paris-based spirit maker Pernod Ricard in Montreal. Upon his return, Guichard accepted a role at Danone and has been working for the global food and beverage maker ever since. The company was founded in 1919 by Isaac Carasso, a Greek immigrant living in Barcelona, Spain, who was inspired by emerging research on the positive impact of yogurt on gut health and immunity. More than 106 years later, the France-headquartered company maintains its emphasis on promoting health through food. Today, Danone is a world leader in dairy and plant-based products, and second in packaged water and infant nutrition, with nearly $44 billion in sales in 2024. Its products are sold in more than 120 markets around the world with a global workforce of about 90,000. In 1972, then-CEO Antoine Riboud announced the company's 'dual project' of balancing business success with social progress, a mantra that Guichard says first attracted him to the company over a quarter century ago and has kept him there ever since. After nearly two decades working in marketing in Paris on Danone's yogurt, water and health brands, followed by another seven years in Eastern Europe, Guichard and his wife got the opportunity to return to Quebec last June. Danone entered the Canadian market in 1993 via its acquisition of Delisle, which had been in the yogurt business since the 1930s. The brand that brings Canadians Silk, Activia, Evian, Oikos, International Delight and more now leads the country in yogurt, plant-based beverages and coffee creamers. Most of the company's 618 Canadian staff are split between its Toronto and Boucherville, Que., offices, while others work remotely from coast to coast. Guichard was named president of Danone Canada in June 2024 and began in his new post last Canada Day. Within days of his arrival, however, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a national recall of plant-based milk alternatives from a production facility that makes its flagship almond milk, Silk — among other brands — due to a suspected listeria outbreak. Guichard says the company has spent the past year trying to regain the trust of Canadian consumers by investing in its health and safety practices, while furthering its sustainability efforts and developing new products to meet changing consumer preferences. The Star recently spoke with Guichard from Danone Canada's headquarters in Boucherville, just outside Montreal, about the organization's long-standing commitment to taste, sustainability and health, and the challenges of confronting a tragedy that seemed to call those principals into question. As a French person, food is the only thing we talk about. Even when we're eating a meal, we're talking about the last one, and the next one. I was especially interested in the products that people consume every day, and the impact it has on their lives. It's something I learned from my mom, who gave me a strong nutritional education at home, and over time we've only learned more about how important food and nutrition is to your health. Originally, I studied engineering, because I was interested in how things work. I enjoyed learning about industrial engineering, manufacturing and supply chains, but I couldn't picture a career in it, so I went back to school to study marketing and communications. I enrolled in a program organized by the French government that sent recent graduates to work for French companies based all over the world for a year and a half. It's a great way to get on-the-job experience to bring back to France. I had always wanted to travel to Canada and there was an opportunity to work in Montreal, so I decided to go for it. I always thought Canada was a fantastic country to visit, but I didn't think I would really fall in love with it like I did. I came here with my future wife after we had been together for six months, so this was the first step we made as a couple, and maybe that's why it became so important to me. I wanted to work for a large French corporation that had a strong presence and a strong impact internationally, both because of the impact it could have, and because I wanted to go abroad again as soon as possible. It took 17 years, but I ended up moving eventually, and I never got bored working for this company, even in France. You don't stay at a company for 26 years unless you're passionate about the work you're doing. Danone's mission is to improve people's health through food while improving the health of the planet. If you want to be a leader in sustainability, you need to be a certain size, and as a global company we can make a significant impact. The two largest parts of our environmental footprint are agriculture and packaging. On the agricultural side, we are working with our upstream partners to promote regenerative agriculture to reduce the carbon emissions of milk production worldwide. Danone was also the first major food company to sign a pledge to reduce methane emissions from dairy production 30 per cent by 2030. On the packaging side, we are working with stakeholders across the supply chain to ensure our packaging is recycled properly. Last month we announced a $9-million investment in our Boucherville plant to develop more sustainable packaging. In fact, Danone is Canada's largest consumer-facing B-Corp . We call ourselves the 'health through food' company, because nearly 87 per cent of Danone's global dairy, plant-based, water and aqua-drinks portfolio has at least 3.5 out of five stars on the international Health Star Rating system, which is unique in our industry. We've accomplished that by focusing on making our foods healthier, and by promoting healthy food categories. For example, we've reduced the amount of sugar in our Canadian products by 30 per cent in the last seven years. They say the second brain is in your gut, and we know that a healthy gut has benefits that go beyond digestive health, like mood and mental health. We develop products based on the latest in fermentation and gut health science. Activia has been clinically proven to improve digestive health, and if you have Activia twice a day for 14 days in what we call the 'Activia Gut Health Challenge,' nine people out of 10 report feeling the difference. We've also seen a surge in products that are high in protein, which has been proven to not only help build muscle but promote healthier aging. Yogurt is a great way to deliver protein to people in a way that's convenient, versatile, affordable and nutritional, without sugar or fat, which is why we introduced Oikos Pro, a high-protein Greek yogurt, this year in Canada. The same is true of plant-based milks, which were pioneered by Silk in the '70s, before being acquired by Danone in 2017. It's not just for those who can't tolerate dairy. In fact, many Canadians prefer having their cereal with sweetened almond milk than regular milk because of the taste, but also because it doesn't have as much sugar. This category really illustrates how we can have the best of nutrition and taste at once, and we continue to innovate in that direction. Those events have been devastating for all of us, because as you said we are a company that is based on health through food, so facing the reality that we might have missed something somewhere that led to these events was very hard. This happened a few days after I landed in Canada, and I immediately faced one of the most tragic events in the company in many years. The entire industry was caught off guard; we didn't think something like this could happen in this product category. I'm proud of how quickly the team worked to protect the health of our consumers. After we made the recall, we discovered that the issues were from a factory of a co-manufacturer and so we completely changed all our sourcing and moved everything into our Danone factories. It's been emotionally challenging for everyone, but I'm proud of how we managed to sustain production, raise the bar of all our products in terms of quality and safety, and created awareness across the industry. We are operating in consumer goods categories that are growing faster than average, and we need to lead those categories and shape them in a way that meets consumer expectations. Canadians want healthier products that take better care of the environment. They want transparency on what goes into them, the science behind them, and the values of the company. We're going to double down on what we do best, which is crafting new recipes that not only taste good, but go one step further in terms of health and nutrition. We are here to develop such products and to develop trust with our consumers. There is a lot of room for innovation, and we aim to lead those categories, not just to serve them.
Toronto Star
a day ago
- Health
- Toronto Star
He took the helm at the height of tragedy. How Danone Canada's president is working to rebuild trust
After starting his career in Montreal, Frederic Guichard got the opportunity to return 26 years later, but the new president of Danone Canada's arrival was marred by tragedy — a listeria outbreak that would eventually claim three lives. The native of Nice, France, spent a year and a half in Canada in 1997-98 as part of a government-sponsored work program, serving as a marketing manager for Paris-based spirit maker Pernod Ricard in Montreal.
Cision Canada
10-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
DANONE CANADA INVESTS IN ITS BOUCHERVILLE PLANT TO DEVELOP MORE SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
The company announces a $9 million investment in partnership with the Gouvernement du Québec BOUCHERVILLE, QC, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Danone Canada is proud to announce a strategic investment of $9 million in its Boucherville plant to launch production of new individual yogurt cups made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin. The company is also aiming to integrate recycled PET (rPET), with an ambition of 30% of the content. This represents a first for Danone's activities in the country, made possible thanks to the support of the Gouvernement du Québec. This initiative, supported by Danone's Oikos brand – the country's leading high-protein Greek yogurt – marks a major step forward in the agri-food industry and in Danone's commitment to recyclability for its packaging. This major project is being carried out with the support of the Gouvernement du Québec, notably through Investissement Québec, which is providing a $3 million loan, and RECYC-QUÉBEC, which is contributing a direct grant of $400,000. This initiative is in line with Québec's efforts to reduce plastic pollution and promote innovative, more sustainable packaging strategies. This project illustrates Danone Canada's capacity for innovation within the Québec industry, and the importance of supporting concrete initiatives for a more durable future. The new Oikos PET cups are already being deployed at points of sale across the country. Quotes "At Danone, innovation is the driving force behind our sustainable development approach. These new yogurt cups from Oikos, the number one brand in Canada *, represent an important milestone in our ambition to reduce the environmental footprint of our packaging and inspire other companies to follow suit towards more sustainable solutions." Frédéric Guichard, President, Danone Canada "The Québec population is increasingly aware of the impact of their food consumption on their health and the environment. Danone Canada understands this! Our government is proud to support Danone in this important stage of its development. Established in our region for nearly one hundred years, this company continues to reinvent itself to contribute ever more to the economic vitality of Montérégie and the dynamism of our community." Suzanne Roy, MNA for Verchères, Minister for the Family and Minister responsible for Montérégie "I congratulate the Danone Canada team on this innovative and ambitious project. In addition to generating environmental benefits, our $3.4 million investment will help the company remain competitive in a fast-growing, competitive sector and consolidate its presence in the Canadian market. Supporting our companies as they go green helps us build a prosperous, sustainable economy in Québec." Christine Fréchette, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy and Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development "To promote better management of our residual materials and increase their circularity, we need to review our practices and innovate in all sectors of activity, including agri-food. I'm delighted to see Danone Canada actively committed to reducing its ecological footprint and contributing to a more circular economy in Québec. It's with initiatives like this that we will stimulate the growth of a green economy in all our regions." Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks "Danone Canada is an example to follow when it comes to putting down roots in Québec. This new investment not only reaffirms their commitment to the Québec market, but also illustrates Québec's ability to attract quality foreign direct investment in our strategic sectors. We are proud to accompany Danone in this new phase, which combines innovation, sustainability and tangible economic benefits." Hubert Bolduc, President, Investissement Québec International "As RECYC-QUÉBEC aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, it was only natural for us to be involved in making this project a reality. This effort also reinforces our dedication to supporting innovations that address problematic materials, like plastic packaging. Ecodesign is a pivotal strategy in the circular economy and is also a very important path forward that we absolutely must collectively invest in to reduce our footprint." Emmanuelle Géhin, President and CEO, RECYC-QUÉBEC About Danone Canada Danone Canada is part of Danone, a leading global food and beverage company, with head offices in Toronto (ON) and Boucherville (QC). With a long-standing mission of bringing health through food to as many people as possible, Danone aims to inspire healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking practices while committing to achieve measurable nutritional, social, societal and environment impact. As the country's largest consumer-facing certified B Corp, Danone Canada's portfolio includes iconic pioneering brands in dairy yogurt, plant-based products, coffee creamers and beverages including: Activia, Oikos, Silk, Danone, Two Good, International Delight, evian and more. For more information about Danone Canada and its brands, visit or LinkedIn. * NIQ Markettrack, yogurt, Grocery Banners, Drugs and Mass Merchandise, Year-to-date April 19, 2025.
Cision Canada
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Cision Canada
Oikos PRO Leaves No Athlete Behind in Canada with a Surprise 2025 Stanley Cup® Playoffs Gym Experience Français
Oikos uncovers that elite athletes in Canada are not willing to miss a gym day, even during the playoffs. TORONTO and BOUCHERVILLE, QC, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ - The excitement in Canada for the Stanley Cup Final is palpable with the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight season. Between office small talk, radio recaps and highlight reels on social media, Canadians cannot escape the hype, but not every fan stays glued to the game. Some ultra-dedicated athletes refuse to miss a workout, heading to the gym even when their favourite team is on the ice. This is what Oikos, the official high-protein yogurt of the NHL and beloved Canadian-made Greek yogurt brand, has learned through insights about what matters most to elite performers. As it turns out, high-protein diets dominate their social feeds and morning routines. Danone Canada collaborated with creative agency BonClub to envision an activation for Oikos PRO that tapped into a real cultural tension: when the playoffs are on, sticking to your training routine gets harder. Oikos PRO was made for moments like these, a high-protein yogurt designed to support serious performance with up to 24 grams of protein per serving. "As a brand built on purpose, known for its creamy, rich and satisfying yogurt, Oikos PRO is here to fuel consistency and celebrate commitment. Instead of making athletes choose between gym time and game time, we brought both worlds together with a high-energy, playoff-worthy gym time and game takeover that celebrated their discipline,'' said Aurélie Goffinet, Senior Brand Manager at Danone Canada. The made-for-social moment transformed a Canadian fitness centre into every hockey lover's dream. While others watched the game from their couches, gym-goers lifted weights while enjoying arena lighting, a DJ, cheering fans, and the ultimate playoff atmosphere. Through an authentic approach, the campaign guaranteed a high-energy moment designed to spark user-generated content while speaking to the benefits of Oikos PRO via concession stands and product sampling. The immersive experience built emotional credibility with Canadians who take their training seriously. An authentic surprise made athletes in the room stop and recognize Oikos as a brand that "gets it.": "I've definitely skipped out on social plans to prioritize training. Consistency is one of the biggest factors in long-term performance — and for me, that means showing up, even when there's something exciting going on. It's easy to fall off track when you start making exceptions, and I'm not willing to risk that," says Phil Wizard, Olympic medalist and World Champion breakdancer. About Oikos ® Canada Oikos is part of Danone Canada, a leading health-driven food and beverage company, and offers a diverse range of Greek yogurt, providing consumers with creamy, delicious, and nutritious products tailored to their needs. From Oikos Original, which offers a creamy texture and delightful taste, to Oikos Pro, an innovative protein-packed range with no added sugar, Oikos offers something for all lifestyles including lactose-free, less sugar and high protein options. All Oikos yogurts are proudly prepared in Canada with 100% Canadian milk and part of a B Corp company. Connect with Oikos online at and on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. About Danone Canada Danone Canada is part of Danone, a leading global food and beverage company, with head offices in Toronto (ON) and Boucherville (QC). With a long-standing mission of bringing health through food to as many people as possible, Danone aims to inspire healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking practices while committing to achieve measurable nutritional, social, societal and environment impact. As the country's largest consumer-facing certified B Corp, Danone Canada's portfolio includes iconic pioneering brands in dairy yogurt, plant-based products, coffee creamers and beverages including: Activia, Oikos, Silk, Danone, Two Good, International Delight, evian and more. For more information about Danone Canada and its brands, visit or LinkedIn.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Oikos PRO Leaves No Athlete Behind in Canada with a Surprise 2025 Stanley Cup® Playoffs Gym Experience
Oikos uncovers that elite athletes in Canada are not willing to miss a gym day, even during the playoffs. TORONTO and BOUCHERVILLE, QC, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ - The excitement in Canada for the Stanley Cup Final is palpable with the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight season. Between office small talk, radio recaps and highlight reels on social media, Canadians cannot escape the hype, but not every fan stays glued to the game. Some ultra-dedicated athletes refuse to miss a workout, heading to the gym even when their favourite team is on the ice. This is what Oikos, the official high-protein yogurt of the NHL and beloved Canadian-made Greek yogurt brand, has learned through insights about what matters most to elite performers. As it turns out, high-protein diets dominate their social feeds and morning routines. Danone Canada collaborated with creative agency BonClub to envision an activation for Oikos PRO that tapped into a real cultural tension: when the playoffs are on, sticking to your training routine gets harder. Oikos PRO was made for moments like these, a high-protein yogurt designed to support serious performance with up to 24 grams of protein per serving. "As a brand built on purpose, known for its creamy, rich and satisfying yogurt, Oikos PRO is here to fuel consistency and celebrate commitment. Instead of making athletes choose between gym time and game time, we brought both worlds together with a high-energy, playoff-worthy gym time and game takeover that celebrated their discipline,'' said Aurélie Goffinet, Senior Brand Manager at Danone Canada. The made-for-social moment transformed a Canadian fitness centre into every hockey lover's dream. While others watched the game from their couches, gym-goers lifted weights while enjoying arena lighting, a DJ, cheering fans, and the ultimate playoff atmosphere. Through an authentic approach, the campaign guaranteed a high-energy moment designed to spark user-generated content while speaking to the benefits of Oikos PRO via concession stands and product sampling. The immersive experience built emotional credibility with Canadians who take their training seriously. An authentic surprise made athletes in the room stop and recognize Oikos as a brand that "gets it.": "I've definitely skipped out on social plans to prioritize training. Consistency is one of the biggest factors in long-term performance — and for me, that means showing up, even when there's something exciting going on. It's easy to fall off track when you start making exceptions, and I'm not willing to risk that," says Phil Wizard, Olympic medalist and World Champion breakdancer. About Oikos® CanadaOikos is part of Danone Canada, a leading health-driven food and beverage company, and offers a diverse range of Greek yogurt, providing consumers with creamy, delicious, and nutritious products tailored to their needs. From Oikos Original, which offers a creamy texture and delightful taste, to Oikos Pro, an innovative protein-packed range with no added sugar, Oikos offers something for all lifestyles including lactose-free, less sugar and high protein options. All Oikos yogurts are proudly prepared in Canada with 100% Canadian milk and part of a B Corp company. Connect with Oikos online at and on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. About Danone CanadaDanone Canada is part of Danone, a leading global food and beverage company, with head offices in Toronto (ON) and Boucherville (QC). With a long-standing mission of bringing health through food to as many people as possible, Danone aims to inspire healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking practices while committing to achieve measurable nutritional, social, societal and environment impact. As the country's largest consumer-facing certified B Corp, Danone Canada's portfolio includes iconic pioneering brands in dairy yogurt, plant-based products, coffee creamers and beverages including: Activia, Oikos, Silk, Danone, Two Good, International Delight, evian and more. For more information about Danone Canada and its brands, visit or LinkedIn. SOURCE Danone Canada View original content to download multimedia:
