Danone sales rise on demand for high-protein and medical nutrition.

Danone reported 4.7% like-for-like sales growth in the fourth quarter and forecast 3–5% sales growth for the year; the company said the current financial effects of infant formula recalls are not material and that an impact assessment will be completed after the recalls finish.

Danone SA said sales climbed at the end of last year, driven in part by demand for protein-rich yogurts and fortified drinks for cancer patients. Like-for-like sales rose 4.7% in the fourth quarter, above a Bloomberg survey estimate of 4.4%. The company cited strong growth in the region that includes China, helped by infant formula and medical nutrition products. Danone also noted double-digit growth in high-protein offerings in North America, while overall North American results lagged analyst estimates. Key facts: - Danone reported 4.7% like-for-like sales growth in Q4 and guided to 3%–5% sales growth for the current year. - Growth drivers named by the company include high-protein yogurts, medical nutrition products, and infant formula in parts of Asia. - The rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is cited in the article as contributing to demand for protein-heavy, gut-friendly products. - Danone announced recalls of some infant formula after detection of the toxin cereulide and said current financial effects are not material. - Estimates of potential financial impact vary widely in media reporting, from tens of millions of euros to as much as €1.1 billion, according to cited analysts. - The article mentions Danone shares are down 3.8% year-to-date, with the stock up about 20% over the past two years while Nestlé is reported to have fallen about 17% over the same period. Summary: The company reports momentum from high-protein and medical nutrition products alongside stronger sales in parts of Asia, and it has set a full-year sales growth forecast of 3%–5%. The ultimate financial impact of the infant formula recalls remains uncertain; Danone says an impact assessment will be finalized once the recalls are completed.