Danone, the French multinational food-products corporation, has announced a strategic $6.9 million investment to expand its dairy manufacturing plant in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan. The expansion aims to increase the plant’s annual production capacity from 18,000 tons to 40,000 tons by 2026. This initiative is part of Danone’s plan to strengthen its export capabilities to the Middle East, China, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
Danone, a leading French multinational known for its dairy and plant-based products, has announced a significant expansion project in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region. The company will invest $6.9 million to scale up production at its local dairy plant, more than doubling its current output from 18,000 to 40,000 tons per year by 2026.
This move underscores Danone’s growing interest in positioning Kazakhstan as a strategic export hub for its Rest of the World business unit, which encompasses dynamic and competitive regions including the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. In 2024, this segment contributed $4.86 billion (approximate conversion from €4.5 billion) to Danone’s global sales.
The expansion aligns with Danone’s strategy to capitalize on the rising demand for dairy products across Asia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus. The company also aims to tap into emerging markets like China and Mongolia, reflecting its broader vision of global outreach and localized manufacturing.
The announcement comes at a time when other global food giants, such as PepsiCo, are also scaling their investments in Kazakhstan, pointing to the nation’s growing relevance in global food supply chains. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture welcomed the development, stating that Danone’s increased production will support the country’s ambition to become a key player in dairy exports.
This investment not only boosts local production capacity but also reinforces Kazakhstan’s role in the international dairy market, with Danone playing a pivotal part in this transformation.
