Danone, a renowned food and beverage company, recently invested $65 million in expanding its manufacturing plant in Jacksonville, Florida. This strategic move aims to meet the increasing demand for popular brands like International Delight and STōK Cold Brew. The newly expanded facility, which has been in operation for 77 years, officially opened its doors on Tuesday.
In addition to the plant expansion, Danone is also focusing on enhancing its distribution network in the Jacksonville area by establishing a new regional distribution center. This initiative is designed to ensure that products are delivered at peak freshness across the Southeastern United States. The company expects these investments to create nearly 200 direct and indirect jobs in the Jacksonville community, contributing to local economic growth.
Despite the challenges faced by many businesses in terms of product volume, Danone is strategically positioning itself for the future by expanding production capabilities. In 2023, the company announced the addition of a new production line to support the growing demand for International Delight and STōK, two popular brands that resonate well with consumers.
The cold brew coffee segment, in particular, is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating a surge from $500 million in 2022 to $3.11 billion by 2030. This growth trajectory has influenced Danone’s expansion into seasonal flavors and a cold-brew energy drink line, aimed at increasing consumer engagement with the brand.
The new production line in Jacksonville features state-of-the-art technology, including a bottle-molding process that enhances production capacity while promoting efficiency and sustainability. By implementing this technology, Danone expects to reduce bottle loss by 30% and minimize water usage for creating recyclable bottles.
Dan Magliocco, the president of Danone North America, emphasized the company’s commitment to serving consumers through innovation and growth. He highlighted the importance of accelerating investments to drive economic progress and meet evolving consumer needs.
In 2025, several food and beverage companies, including JBS USA and Kraft Heinz, have made strategic changes to their production networks to increase output. Concurrently, companies like PepsiCo, Conagra Brands, and J.M. Smucker have adjusted their capacity to align with shifting consumer demand trends.
Overall, Danone’s investment in expanding its manufacturing plant and distribution network reflects its proactive approach to meeting consumer demand and driving economic growth in the Jacksonville community. This strategic move underscores the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering high-quality products to consumers across the Southeastern United States.