Danone MENA wins at Middle East International Business Awards 2024

Committed to healthier and sustainable eating and drinking practices, the company became the first FMCG company in the GCC to earn B Corp certification.

Danone MENA won the Food & Beverage category at the Middle East International Business Awards 2024, being the first FMCG company in the GCC to earn B Corp certification, recognising it as one of the region's most responsible corporations.

The prestigious B Corp certification places the company amongst some of the most responsible corporations in the region, reflecting Danone MENA's commitment to high standards of accountability and transparency across all areas.

B Corp certifications are earned through operating with the highest levels of accountability and transparency when it comes to customers, communities, suppliers, the environment, and employees. With the certification, Danone Nutricia joins a community of mission-driven businesses operating as a force for good, working to bring health through food to as many people as possible.

Sustainable strategies

Danone MENA is a leading global food and beverage company operating in three categories: essential dairy and plant-based products, waters, and specialised nutrition. The company is dedicated to inspiring healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking practices whilst committing to achieving measurable impacts across nutritional, social, societal, and environmental dimensions.

A key factor in Danone MENA’s achievement of B Corporation certification is its comprehensive sustainability strategy, known as the Danone Impact Journey. This strategy is centred around three core pillars: health through food; preserving and regenerating nature; and people and communities. 

A cornerstone of this strategy is the company’s ambitious decarbonisation efforts, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Danone MENA aims to achieve this by transforming its value chain and moving away from fossil fuels, following the UAE Consensus established at COP28 in 2023.

Impactful environmental milestones 

The company has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, supported by a detailed roadmap of short- and medium-term milestones. By 2025, the company targets a 30% improvement in energy efficiency and commits to sourcing ingredients exclusively from farms that have initiated a transition to regenerative agriculture. 

Additionally, Danone MENA plans to ensure all packaging is 100% recyclable, reusable, and compostable by 2030. The company also aims to reduce methane emissions from products, including milk, by 30% by the end of the decade.

“Achieving this prestigious certification amplifies our strong commitment to our communities, shareholders, customers, communities and the world we live in,” said Wael Hamza, General Manager of Danone Nutricia MENA. “We act on this commitment every day through our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible at every stage of their lives, without compromising our environment.”

Ahmed Elshal, General Secretary of Danone Nutricia MENA, meanwhile said: “It has been a longstanding goal of the company to reach this achievement and be amongst the leading companies inspiring and empowering others in the Middle East that make a positive impact. This certification signifies our strong commitment to put people, communities and the environment at the heart of everything we do.”

Danone MENA has proudly joined the B Corp movement using its business as a force for good, highlighting the company's dedication to leave a lasting positive impact on society and the environment. In addition to the essential nutrition products across its portfolio, Danone Nutricia MENA is also committed to serving underserved populations and offering convenient nutritional solutions for homecare patients in the region.

The Middle East International Business Awards 2024 is a prestigious awards programme celebrating the accomplishments of leading international firms operating in the region. It recognises their exceptional contributions to economic and community development across the region.

The Middle East International Business Awards is presented by Asian Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2025 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's outstanding contributions in your organisation's growth, please contact Danica Avila at [email protected].