In 1972, armed with a pioneering spirit, Danone laid the foundation for a new model that combines efficient business practices with social responsibility. Since then, we have continued to seek to create value for all our stakeholders, society and the environment in which we operate.

The Oxfam Behind the Brands 2016 report does not acknowledge many of the sustainability projects we are collaborating on with our partners and stakeholders. Indeed, Oxfam’s assessment methodology and framework does not really fit with our approach.

Our primary aim is to act in the field. As an example of our specific approach, our RESPECT programs launched in 2005 and our FaRMs program focusing on our milk producers, launched in 1997, ensure that we only work with suppliers that are compliant with core social principles such as not using forced labor, child labor, or working conditions that endanger the integrity and health of their employees.

Danone’s specific approach ensures our social and environmental sustainability work prioritizes those areas where we believe we can make the most practical impact. We leverage lessons learnt and experience gained in collaboration with, for example, local food producers and communities. An example of this is our 100 million euros Ecosystem Fund, which is intended to strengthen and develop the activities of those partners (e.g. farmers & suppliers) who operate within our ecosystem in a sustainable way. These initiatives are led in collaboration with, and co-funded by, NGOs, micro-credit organizations and development agencies.

This approach to sustainability means that we prefer to experiment and validate the impact of our actions before publishing policies. When we have completed our assessment and validation we share our policies. For example, our ambitious Forest Footprint policy published on October 15, 2012; and our Climate Change policy unveiled at COP 21 in November 2015, which targets zero net carbon emissions across all our activities. These policies are just two examples among many, which demonstrate how we are strengthening the resilience of our global food chain.  

We recognize that tracking progress in these areas is not an easy task. Danone is always willing to explore new initiatives that could help account for progress in our many sustainability projects within the context of our health, environmental, social and economic goals and commitments. This is the reason why we will be launching our first Integrated Report before the end of this month.

We welcome OXFAM and many other NGO’s contributions to our efforts.