Danone has reported consolidated sales of €6,085m, up 10.8% on a reported basis and 4.9% like-for-like. The company noted a very strong performance in Specialized Nutrition driven by Early Life Nutrition in China, solid start in Waters and ongoing recovery of Essential Dairy and Plant-based activities. 2018 guidance was /confirm/ied

Emmanuel Faber, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am very pleased with the strong results we have achieved in the first quarter. With organic growth of almost 5%, this start to the year confirms the strength of our portfolio, reflects our relentless focus on execution and delivery, and our continued investment in brands and innovations. We have achieved further progress in developing a more sustainable platform of growth and in the premiumization of our offering in Early Life Nutrition in China, broad-based growth in Waters, and gradual improvement in our Essential Dairy and Plant-based activities. With the issuance of the first social bond by a multinational company and the B Corp certification of its subsidiaries in North America, Danone has also reached in the first quarter important milestones in its ambition to lead the way in creating and sharing value for all. We are reaffirming our confidence in the agility of our model to navigate a volatile environment to deliver our 2018 guidance and to accelerate towards our 2020 ambition.”