Danone:Does having a B Corporation designation make you an ethical company?2AbstractDanone may have started as one product; a Balkan style yogurt in 1919, butIsaac Carasso’s small glass jars would soon evolve.It’s humble beginnings inpharmacies in Barcelona and then France, would eventually lead Danone to more than130 markets and 25 billion in sales annually. Carasso’s initial vision of bringing healthyfood to children after World War I hasn’t changed. Despite growth into internationalmarkets, “Bringing health through food to as many people as possible.” (Riboud, 1996)is still the guiding principle of the company. Recognized in 2017 as a Certified Bcorporation Danone is pioneering business practices and forcing competitors, to do thesame.Danone’s HistoryFounded in 1919, and sold in 1959 to Beatrice foods, it would later merge withGervais Cheese to become Gervais Danone, who would later buy-out Beatrice Foods tobecome sole owner.Expanding to the United States in 1978, the company wouldoperate under Danone Waters before changing its name to Groupe Danone in 1994.Danone would purchaseGénérale Biscuit, and Nabisco Europe in 1989 adding a newmarket and further expanding their global presence. Expanding into Canada, Asia,South America and Africa between 1990 and 2010, the company would eventuallyemploy over 100,000 employees and lead food and nutrition sales in the United Statesin 2019.Maintaining their focus and commitment to ethical and social responsibility hasremained consistent despite their exponential growth. A commitment, that would leadthe organization to considered B Corp certification in 2016.
