Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Danone is producing Europe’s first formula milk in an innovative, pre-measured tab format  at the French food group’s formula milk production facility in Wexford, through a manufacturing partnership with Japanese food manufacturer, Meiji. The exclusive memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Danone and Meiji covers the production of this format innovation through which Danone is combining its formula milk recipes with Meiji’s patented tab production technology.

Jean Michel Lequin, Director of Danone’s Wexford formula milk production facility, explains: “At Danone, we’ve seen how in other food categories – like coffee and culinary stocks – introducing portion controlled and dosed formats has been a game changer for consumers, who look for more convenience and ease. That’s why we’ve worked with Meiji to set up a production line for pre-measured formula milk tabs at Danone’s formula milk production facility in Wexford. We believe this format innovation has the potential to revolutionise the formula milk category in Europe.”

Danone’s Wexford factory is one of the leading manufacturing facilities in Danone’s global network, employing 350 people and producing dairy products for consumers in 41 countries around the world. Last year, it became the first formula milk production site in the world to be certified carbon neutral by the Carbon Trust, an independent global climate change and sustainability consultancy.

Danone is initially launching this format innovation in the UK in response to parents’ desire for greater convenience and ease when preparing formula feeds. The new format will be available in the UK exclusively via the health & beaty retailer, Boots, under the Aptamil* brand. Following a successful launch of this format innovation in the UK, Danone plans to begin offering this new format in other countries in Europe as of 2022.

Shun Yoshioka, Managing Director of Meiji Food Europe, added: “We’re very pleased to have reached this milestone in our collaboration with Danone. Through our manufacturing partnership with Danone, we’re introducing a convenient, innovative format in formula milks – based on Meiji’s tabletting know-how – for the first time in the UK & Europe.”

The new formula milk tabs dissolve easily, with one tab equal to one standard scoop of powdered formula. Danone expects the new format to help cut down on mess when preparing a formula feed, making the new format useful – in particular for night-time feeds. Besides allowing for more accurate measurement and less wasted formula, the new format helps provide extra reassurance – in particular for parents who favour formats that emphasize hygiene.

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Pictured (L-R): Anthony Bail and Graham Kelly, Production Operators at Danone’s Wexford facility.