Danone Enters Thailand's Fresh Dairy Market 

24/01/07 Groupe Danone has announced the creation of a business producing fresh dairy products in Thailand, Danone Dairy Thailand, and a strategic partnership with Dutch Mill Co. The objective is to offer innovative products with high value-added to a high-growth market.

With an average per capita consumption of 4 kilos per year and a high interest shown by urban consumers in the health benefits of dairy products, the Thai market offers promising scope for growth.

Dutch Mill Co. is well-known as one of the fastest growing and largest manufacturers of high-quality dairy products, serving the demands of both local and international consumers. With sales in excess of 300 million USD, Dutch Mill Group, one of the leading manufacturers of dairy products in Thailand, also exports to ASEAN countries.

Danone Dairy Thailand will combine its technical and marketing skills with Dutch Mill Co.’s world-class manufacturing and distribution network to enter the Thai market.

Commenting on this move, Bernard Hours, VP for Fresh dairy products, stated: "Groupe Danone wants to quickly develop Danone brand in countries where it is not present yet, and in this context, Thailand is a high potential market. This partnership, which we are very proud of, will allow Groupe DANONE to benefit from the market knowledge of Dutch Mill Co. and its distribution channels in the region”.

Commenting on this partnership, Yol Phokasub, Chief Operating Officer of Dutch Mill Co., stated: “We are delighted to team up with Groupe Danone since we have a tremendous opportunity to provide innovative dairy products to the Thai consumers. Thanks to Danone’s technical and R&D capabilities, we expect to shorten the time-to-market for value added products and thus contribute positively to improve the Thai dairy industry”.