Latest news with #RafaelAcevedo
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Danone targets consumers taking weight loss drugs with new drink
Danone is introducing an Oikos brand drink targeting U.S. consumers using weight loss medications such as Wegovy , pledging the dairy-based beverage helps address the common concern of retaining muscle. Patients on GLP-1 medications like Zepbound often shed valuable muscle rather than fat, worrying doctors and requiring diet changes, such as eating more protein. Danone's new drink, called Oikos Fusion, has nutrients such as vitamin D and whey protein that the French company says help build and maintain muscle. Danone is the latest food maker seizing the opportunity to sell new products to consumers dropping weight with GLP-1s, which users usually inject and are sometimes called "the shot." The market is set to grow as drug makers look to develop the appetite-suppressing medication in pill form. U.S. packaged food maker Conagra started labeling its Healthy Choice frozen meals "GLP-1" friendly, while rival Nestle launched Vital Pursuit to serve those on the medicine. The frozen pizzas and pasta bowls generally offer higher amounts of protein and come in smaller portions. Danone earlier this year introduced another high-protein Oikos smoothie to compete with Coca-Cola's wildly popular Fairlife. PepsiCo is also getting into "liquid protein" as Americans add more to their diet. Danone's sales in North America grew more than 2% in its second quarter, in part because of Oikos, which is mostly a yogurt brand. "This is a brand that has been growing at a rapid pace in the marketplace and strategically expanding," said Rafael Acevedo, president of yogurt at Danone North America. Single bottles of the new drink will first be sold in Walmart for $2.12.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Danone brings Oikos into the $7 billion protein shake market
This story was originally published on Food Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Food Dive newsletter. Danone is entering the $7 billion protein shake market for the first time as the CPG giant aims to bring its yogurt brands into new food categories. The Paris-based company is introducing an Oikos protein shake that taps into consumer demand for functional, on-the-go nutrition. The Oikos Protein Shakes are the first non-refrigerated option on the market for one of Danone's yogurt brands. Nearly three-quarters of Americans want to consume more protein, Danone noted, but finding that in a convenient and nutrient-packed option to fit their busy lifestyles isn't always easy. 'The heart of the [Oikos] brand is in yogurt, but the brand stands for more than that,' Rafael Acevedo, president of yogurt for Danone North America, said in an interview. It 'has the potential to expand beyond yogurt, to bring these benefits to other places in the store.' The protein shake brings Oikos, already known for its high protein content, from the refrigerated section to the center of the store. A shelf-stable option can be a selling point for protein shake drinkers, who are more likely to purchase multi-packs and consume the beverage on a more frequent basis as a meal replacement. Each 12-ounce bottle of Oikos Protein contains 30 grams of the muscle-building attribute. The drink also includes 5 grams of prebiotic fiber to support digestive health, 1 gram of sugar and vitamins A and D for immune system support. The broader better-for-you ingredient list makes the shake more nutritionally dense, Acevedo said, and separates it from other shakes that typically only prioritize protein. The shakes will be available in three flavors: vanilla, chocolate and salted caramel. They are currently rolling out on shelves and will first be available at select retailers including Amazon, Kroger and CVS, before appearing at Walmart, Costco, Target and other large chains in the summer. Retail sales of Oikos surged 40% in 2024, topping $1 billion in annual sales for the first time, as it benefited from consumer interest in healthier foods with nutritional benefits. The nearly 20-year-old Oikos brand also has been a major beneficiary of an uptick in the use of GLP-1 medications, with the yogurt offering high protein levels and portion-controlled containers. Despite the recent strength in yogurt, Acevedo said protein shakes are growing faster, with sales increasing 15% last year. A protein shake 'is a very important innovation for the brand,' he added. 'We're super excited about the opportunity to continue to move into these high-growth segments.' Acevedo said it could eventually bring Oikos into bars or other food segments as part of Danone's 'long-range innovation pipeline." The CPG manufacturer also is considering whether to bring additional yogurt brands into new categories, he said. Recommended Reading Danone's yogurt sales surge among US consumers using GLP-1 drugs Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
