Danone to Spend Millions to Expand Ohio Plant Amid Explosive Growth in Yogurt Market
As consumers pay more attention to what they eat and drink, yogurt makers such as Danone have been among the biggest beneficiaries. Oikos sales, for example, surged 40% during 2024, according to Circana data previously provided by Danone.
Danone has responded to surging demand by investing in its U.S. plants, including Minster, which manufactures Oikos, Activia, Dannon, and Danimals, among other offerings.
Other yogurt makers have also moved to capitalize on rising demand. Chobani announced earlier this year that it plans to spend $1.2 billion on a New York dairy processing plant and $500 million to expand production by 50% at its Twin Falls, Idaho, facility.
The expansion at Minster means Danone will need to increase its milk purchases for the yogurt facility by 60% during the next few years. The company plans to work with existing producers to increase their output and onboard new local farms.
“Fulfilling our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible means producing nutrient-rich foods with U.S. ingredients in American factories that are benefiting local communities,” Dan Magliocco, president of Danone North America, said in a statement.
Danone purchases 90% of its ingredients and packaging in the U.S. Danone currently employs approximately 5,000 American workers across 13 U.S. manufacturing facilities in 10 states.
With the yogurt market continuing to grow and consumers becoming more health-conscious, Danone’s investment in expanding its Ohio plant shows a commitment to meeting the increasing demand for their products. This move not only benefits the company but also supports local farmers and communities, contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of the yogurt industry in the United States.
