WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--At an unveiling ceremony today, The Dannon Company, Inc. announced the grand opening of its new research and development facility, the Dannon Discovery & Innovation Center. The Company’s $9 million capital investment will increase collaboration between R&D and Marketing, Sourcing & Supplier Development and other key functions that directly impact the level of innovation and speed of introduction of new products to market.
Located within Dannon’s headquarters, the Dannon Discovery & Innovation Center contains state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, a Sensory & Consumer Insights Lab, as well as labs for Quality Analysis and Fruit & Flavor. Most importantly, it houses Dannon’s R&D team, comprised of experts in the fields of science, sensory and consumer insights, packaging, fruit and flavor, and product formulation. Dannon’s suppliers now also have designated office space within the Company’s headquarters to accelerate collaboration, spur innovation and ensure integration at every stage of the development process.
“The Dannon Discovery & Innovation Center is an unprecedented investment in people and technology designed to accelerate the growth of our business and that of our customers, the nation’s leading retailers,” said Gustavo Valle, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Dannon Company, Inc.
“By physically bringing the R&D team closer to other core business functions, we will foster greater collaboration to accelerate pursuit of our mission - to bring health through food to as many people as possible,” said Albe Wendt, Vice President Research & Development, North America. Historically, the yogurt category in the US has grown due to innovation being introduced to consumers who typically consume significantly less yogurt than consumers in more developed markets.
“The Dannon Company has been an innovator in the US dairy industry since the Company was founded in 1942,” said Michael Neuwirth, Senior Director of Public Relations. “The yogurt category has been propelled forward by developing innovative concepts for nutritious products, such ‘Fruit on the Bottom’ in 1947, low-fat yogurt for early health enthusiasts in 1955, mini-cups for kids in 1982, ‘Light’ yogurt with no added sugar in 1988, Activia with a unique probiotic culture in 2006, Danimals spoon-free CrushCup in 2008, Dan-o-nino with twice the calcium of milk also in 2008, Greek yogurt in 2010, and French style yogurt in 2011. The Dannon Discovery and Innovation Center will help us further accelerate our growth.”
With more than 200 full-time employees, Dannon is among the larger employers in Westchester County and has been located in Westchester, New York for more than 25 years. The multi-million dollar investment will benefit a wide range of business supporting Dannon’s operations and employees in Westchester. The Dannon Discovery & Innovation Center will also host tours by invitation to help educate about the yogurt-making process and the importance of proper nutrition.
About The Dannon Company, Inc.
The Dannon Company is America's founding national yogurt company and continually leverages its expertise to develop and market innovative cultured fresh dairy products in the United States. Headquartered in White Plains, NY, Dannon has plants in Minster, OH, Fort Worth, TX, and West Jordan, UT and produces approximately 100 different types of flavors, styles and sizes of cultured fresh dairy products. Dannon is a subsidiary of Danone, one of the world's leading producers of packaged foods and beverages, and Dannon is the top-selling brand of yogurt products worldwide, sold under the names Dannon and Danone.
With a strong commitment to high-quality, wholesome, nutritious and innovative products, The Dannon Company is committed to encouraging people to eat a balanced diet and live a healthy lifestyle. In 2010, for the tenth year in a row, Danone was listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, a worldwide reference for socially responsible businesses. Danone is a recognized leader for its contributions to nutrition and health and was ranked best in class in a 2008 JPMorgan & Insight Investment study about the response of the world's largest food companies to obesity and health-related concerns. This commitment is also illustrated through The Dannon Company's support of the Dannon Institute, an independent, non-profit foundation dedicated to promoting research, education, and communication about the links between nutrition, diet and health. For more information, please visit www.dannon.com.