Danone enhances product line to boost immune system support
Danone is marking the 30th anniversary of Actimel by introducing Actimel+ Triple Action, further emphasising its commitment to health and balanced nutrition.
The Actimel+ Triple Action range will be progressively launched in 20 countries across Europe, with roll out started in September 2024. Leveraging Danone’s science & innovation know-how to offer additional health benefits to the millions of people who are consuming Actimel in Europe, Danone’s Actimel+ Triple Action is fortified with essential vitamins D and B6, to support the normal function of the immune system, magnesium to reduce tiredness, and vitamin C for its antioxidant properties.
Research indicates that immunity has remained a top priority for consumers over the last years. When asked how they define health, 62% of people mention the importance of having a healthy immune system (Source: Euromonitor, Food for Body and Mind, 2022).
At Danone’s Research and Innovation Centre in Paris-Saclay, immunology experts have been dedicated to studying the impact of diet on preventing immunity-related disorders including allergies, recurrent infections, and autoimmune diseases. With 70% of the immune system located in the gut, its role in supporting immunity is crucial.
Danone said the new nutritional benefits and recipe of the Actimel+ Triple Action range will supporting the immune system with 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D; protect the body’s cells thanks to antioxidant properties of vitamin C; and reduce tiredness and fatigue via magnesium enrichment.
Research shows that 40% of Europeans do not meet their recommended daily intake of vitamin D, and many also suffer from deficiencies in magnesium and vitamin C (source: Cashman KD et al. Vitamin D deficiency in Europe: pandemic? Am J Clin Nutr. 2016;103:1033–44).
In response to these nutritional gaps, Actimel has created a recipe that contain billions of beneficial ferments, including Danone’s exclusive L. casei, which promote the growth of good bacteria essential for gut health. Actimel uses a 72-hour slow fermentation process to allow the L. casei cultures to develop in the best possible conditions. This method results in a higher concentration of these beneficial cultures in each serving. Actimel is today the most scientifically studied immunity shot with over 145 scientific papers that have been published regarding the properties and effects of Actimel and its exclusive L. casei strain.
Pablo Perversi, president Danone Europe, noted how food has entered a new era, and its role in health will only grow in the coming years when he said: “Consumers are now more aware than ever of the importance of gut health and immunity, seeking food and drinks that support this. We are investing in our brands as part of our Renew Danone strategy and expanding our footprint by offering new ranges with more health benefits. Actimel, one of our flagship brands, will continue to play a crucial role in driving the future growth of the dairy category in Europe.”
Available in peach-passion fruit, strawberry pomegranate, blueberry-blackberry and orange-peach flavours, the Actimel Triple+ range will be progressively sold in all major European retailers in 20 countries across Europe. It will be produced in Belgium and Spain.
Alongside the announcement of the new range, Danone has announced several sustainability efforts across the Actimel ranges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and plastic use:
- Optimising factories to use 100% renewable electricity supply
- Offering larger bottles which contain 17% less plastic (compared to the same quantity of Actimel contained in small bottles)
- Lightening its plastic bottles, reducing their weight by 40%, and reducing emissions in the process, between 1994 and the present day
- Removing the label from small bottles, saving 868 tonnes of plastic last year in Europe.
