Danone merges Swiss units in the Greater Zurich Area

Danone has previously operated three separate companies in Switzerland: Danone AG, Danone Waters | Evian-Volvic Suisse SA, and Nutricia Milupa SA. These all have headquarters in Zurich. Now, according to a press release from the French food retail giant, the three units are to be merged. Its Alpro business, which has to date been run from Germany, will also be integrated into the new unit.

Danone writes that this will create one of the country’s largest companies for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) in Zurich. Sandro Tichelli will assume management of the business. The 40-year-old Swiss native was previously Sales Director of Danone Essential Dairy & Plant-Based in Germany.

According to the press release, the new corporate structure is “clear recognition of Switzerland as a location”, as also evidenced by increased investments in specific growth areas and new competences.

Tichelli comments: “Pooling our strengths will enable us to better develop new growth areas locally, such as plant-based food, and continue to develop existing potentials.” Among other things, Danone plans to become the first large completely B Corp-certified FMCG company in Switzerland. B Lab is the globally active organization behind B Corp, monitoring and certifying the sustainability of companies.