WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.,
Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The
Dannon Company is the leading maker of yogurt in the USA and has earned this position based on the
variety of products we make available to American shoppers and the
integrity with which we make them. In fact, over the past
several years both Dannon's business and the yogurt category have
grown significantly. This approach has always benefitted all of our
business partners, including the dairy farmers who chose to work
with us and who we value greatly.
We were surprised to receive a divisive and misinformed letter
about our efforts to continue to grow America's enjoyment of dairy
products, including yogurt. Making yogurt begins with the
wholesome milk that our farmers sell to us. Unlike any other large
dairy processors, we have built direct and transparent
relationships with our independent American dairy farmer
partners. Together with them we are beginning to implement
the Dannon Pledge, announced six months ago, which commits to
evolve three of our brands to be made with non-GMO ingredients, as
well as non-GMO feed for the cows from which we source our milk,
between now and 2018. These three brands – Dannon, Danimals
and Oikos - represent about half of our portfolio of
products. Additionally, the Dannon Pledge commits to be
transparent with American shoppers about which products include GMO
ingredients and which don't. We are ahead of schedule and
will label on-pack the presence of GMO ingredients by the end of
2016.
For our entire portfolio, to help improve sustainable
agricultural practices and protect biodiversity, we are working
with our farmer partners to reach for better soil health, water
quality and quantity, an increase in biodiversity, and decrease in
carbon emission and energy use. We are co-creating innovative
solutions to fulfill this pledge with our business partners,
similar to what we have already started with our direct milk
suppliers. Regarding GMO crops, we believe the currently approved
GMOs are safe. Furthermore, we believe that sustainable
agricultural practices can be achieved with or without the use of
GMOs. However, we believe there is growing consumer
preference for non-GMO ingredients and food in the US and we want
to use the strong relationships we have with our farmer partners to
provide products that address this consumer demand. The
changes we will make will enable consumers to make everyday choices
for themselves, their family and children consistent with their
wish for more natural and sustainable eating options, choosing
which agricultural and environmental model they favor.
We believe the changes in sustainable agricultural practices we
are seeking can lead to a reduction of the usage (quantity and
quality) of herbicides and pesticides. Careful management of
the use of pesticides and herbicides has a major role to play to
achieve our goal.
"We believe strongly that the unparalleled range of choice that
Danone's US affiliates provide, from organic, to non-GMO
ingredients, and to conventional dairy is a reason to celebrate
rather than criticize," said Mariano
Lozano, CEO of The Dannon Company. "We encourage
anyone who wishes to learn more to read the Dannon Pledge at
www.DannonPledge.com."
About The Dannon Company
Headquartered in White Plains, New
York, Dannon makes yogurt in Minster, OH, Fort
Worth, TX, West Jordan, UT,
and Portland, OR, and offers more
than 200 different flavors, styles and sizes of cultured
refrigerated and frozen dairy products to serve the diverse needs
of its retail and foodservice customers. Dannon brings health
through food to as many people as possible via its wide offering of
delicious and nutritious fresh and frozen yogurts. Dannon is
committed to encouraging Americans to eat one yogurt every day with
a convenient, popular and nutrient dense food as a simple step that
can help Americans achieve healthy dietary patterns. Dannon
is a subsidiary of Danone, and Danone is the top -selling brand of
yogurt worldwide, sold under the names Dannon and Danone. For more
information, visit www.dannon.com.
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SOURCE The Dannon Company