Danone secures elusive CDP ‘Triple A’ status

In a year characterised by intensifying scrutiny over corporate “greenwashing,” Danone has solidified its position as a global leader in environmental governance by achieving a ‘Triple A’ score from CDP for 2025.

The recognition — awarded for top-tier performance in climate change, water stewardship, and forest preservation — is a rare distinction. Out of nearly 20,000 companies evaluated globally, Danone is one of only 23 to secure the Triple A, placing it in the top 0.1% of businesses worldwide for environmental transparency and verified action.

For Danone, the CDP recognition is more than a trophy; it is a critical validator of its “commercial strength” and long-term competitiveness. As the food and drink industry faces increasing pressure from ESG-focused investors, the Triple A status provides the high-quality data necessary to secure capital and reassure shareholders of the company’s operational resilience.

Sherry Madera, CEO of CDP, highlighted this link, stating that Danone is proving “environmental ambition and commercial strength go hand in hand.” By using transparency as a foundation, Danone is building a “defensible” business model that is better equipped to navigate the physical and regulatory risks of climate change.

The award arrives alongside Danone’s achievement of full global B Corp™ certification in 2025, marking a dual victory for the group’s “Impact Journey” roadmap. These recognitions reflect deep-rooted operational shifts:

• Methane & dairy stability: through the launch of the Danone Milk Academy, the business is working directly with farmers to reduce methane emissions and strengthen the stability of its fresh milk sourcing — the backbone of its dairy portfolio.
• Water resource mastery: the public release of the SPRING methodology demonstrates that Danone is moving beyond internal goals to set industry-wide standards for water resource optimisation
• Tech-driven forestry: by deploying satellite monitoring and enhanced traceability partnerships, Danone is future-proofing its supply chain against upcoming global deforestation regulations.

Antoine de Saint-Affrique, CEO of Danone, described the achievement as a reflection of the company’s “enduring commitment to meet the highest standards that combine performance and sustainability.”

He emphasised that this is a “demanding journey” requiring the engagement of the entire value chain. For the broader industry, Danone’s success serves as a blueprint for how a legacy FMCG giant can successfully embed sustainability into its core P&L, transforming it from a “cost centre” into a driver of brand value and market trust.

For trade partners and retailers, Danone’s Triple A status offers a significant advantage in Scope 3 emissions reporting. As retailers look to lower the carbon footprint of their shelves, Danone’s verified progress on methane reduction and forest preservation makes it a preferred partner for a sustainable retail future.