Dannon Recognized As Dairy Foods Magazine's Processor Of The Year

White Plains, NY - The Dannon Company, Inc. recently was named 2006 Processor of the Year by Dairy Foods, the trade publication for the U.S. dairy industry. The Dannon Company is one of two yogurt companies to have been named Processor of the Year since the award's inception in 1983 - the other being Stonyfield Farm, which is also a subsidiary of Groupe Danone and which was acknowledged with the award in 2003. According to the company, Dairy Foods presents the award annually to a dairy processor that demonstrates extraordinary recent or long-term accomplishments.

Dairy Foods' board of industry representatives, processors, industry organizations and suppliers, chose The Dannon Company from among six nominees for its product innovation, commitment to quality, industry service and financial success.

"We have recognized companies with this award since 1983, and Dannon would have been a great choice at any point in time," said David Phillips, Chief Editor, Dairy Foods. "It's particularly special that Dannon receives the award this year because Dannon is hot. While The U.S. dairy industry is rightfully excited about the recent history of innovation and sales growth in the yogurt category, Dannon is ready to push that innovation and U.S. yogurt consumption to an even higher level."

For Dannon, 2006 has marked a strong year in the U.S., including the launch of Activia, the first and only probiotic lowfat yogurt available in the U.S. that is clinically proven to help naturally regulate your digestive system in two weeks when eaten daily, as part of a healthy and balanced diet, and the introduction of Light & Fit Crave Control, the only reduced-sugar nonfat yogurt made with fruit, cereal and ProteinFiberPlus, to help satisfy hunger. Activia has surpassed $100M in net sales in the U.S since its launch in January 2006, a feat less than one tenth of one percent of all new products reach in their first year in the U.S.

"We are honored to be selected by our peers in the U.S. dairy industry for this acknowledgement," said Juan Carlos Dalto, CEO, The Dannon Company. "Each day, Dannon strives to provide our customers and consumers with the most innovative, nutritious and best-tasting products. We have many accomplishments we can be proud of, however, without the support of our customers none of it would be possible and we are grateful to them for their partnership. We also have a lot more to accomplish in the short- and long-term."

For more information, about Dairy Foods you visit www.dairyfoods.com. For more information, about The Dannon Company you can visit www.dannon.com.

SOURCE: Dairy Foods and The Dannon Company