Leading US Yogurt Maker Dannon Announces Shift Toward Non-GMO Ingredients, Including Non-GMO Feed For Dairy Cows

In a noteworthy move that aims to make the most of its role as a leader in the U.S. dairy industry, Dannon, the largest yogurt maker in the country, has announced a largescale plan to improve the sustainability within its supply chains, as well as a move away from genetically modified ingredients.

In a new supply chain system, dairy farmers working with Dannon will be required to abide by the company's animal welfare standards, as well as implement "sustainable agriculture practices and technology that leads to better soil health, better water management, an increase in biodiversity, and a decrease in carbon emission."

In addition to transitioning to non-GMO ingredients in its flagship brands Dannon, Oikos, and Danimals, Dannon has also pledged to transition to non-GMO feed for its dairy cows within the next three years. Non-GMO transitions for Dannon's remaining portfolio are expected to follow. For now, following the GMO labeling requirement passed by the state of Vermont, Dannon will begin labeling its GMO products nationwide.

Changes from Dannon will be publicly visible beginning in July, when its flagship brands will no longer include GMO ingredients.

"We created a new way to work with dairy farmers to improve our shared sustainability priorities," said Mariano Lozano, president of Dannon. "Our ambition is to produce healthy food that is affordable, creates economic and social value and nurtures natural ecosystems through sustainable agriculture. Although our journey is independent from that of our organic sister companies, we have learned a lot from and are inspired by Stonyfield and Happy Family," both of which are majority-owned by Dannon.

"While this commitment is ambitious, we believe it's necessary to continue to serve Americans using a sustainable and transparent model," Lozano said.