Danone Ecosystem Fund’s achievements celebrated on fifth anniversary

Danone has held an event to mark the fifth year of operation of its public-interest initiative, the Danone Ecosystem Fund.

Working in partnership with 48 non-governmental organisations, the fund is dedicated to creating positive change for communities, businesses and the environment. Since its inception, it has launched 60 projects in 27 countries, improving daily life for 2.2 million people.

Approximately 100 million euros (73.65 million pounds) drawn exclusively from Danone profits was used to establish the fund, with 98 percent of shareholders voting in favour of the move. Its projects include sourcing, distribution, regional development, personal services and recycling.

As a result of this work, 2,600 jobs have been created, with 34,900 individuals directly affected, including 13,600 women.

Emmanuel Faber, Danone's chief executive officer, said: "Danone is committed to both business success and social progress. Our shareholders took a concrete step towards this commitment in 2009, when they voted to create a fund that promotes job growth in Danone's ecosystem."

The company continues to invest in new projects to improve quality of life worldwide, allying with Mars to launch an investment fund aimed at helping to support smallholder farmers in poorer areas earlier this year.