Danone invests in local livelihoods and commits to South Africa’s enterprise development

Danone celebrates its 50th Dual Purpose Anniversary by signing an agreement with Ncora Dairy committing to the upliftment of the Eastern Cape community.

The partnership is worth R75 million per annum with 2 400 jersey, crossbreed, milking cows producing approximately 10.5 million litres of milk. More than this however, this deal will indirectly benefit over 1 200 community members living within the vicinity of the farm, with approximately 35 individuals from the community employed on the farm itself.

In 1972 a legacy moment was created by the company’s late and former CEO Antoine Riboud when he stated that Danone’s corporate responsibility will not end at the factory gate but will also serve social progress. Operations Director at Danone Southern Africa, Kid Nkantsu, at the signing ceremony, announced the partnership with Ncora Dairy as one of the first black owned dairy farms to become a supplier to the food producer in Southern Africa saying: “Business success should always go hand in hand with improving the livelihoods of our communities.”

Agriculture is facing major challenges such as economic development, climate change, water scarcity and biodiversity loss. It is therefore critical to create models that support sustainable farming and drive solid investment. Danone is determined to help overcome these challenges by developing new agricultural models that can regenerate the planet while feeding a local population that is set to surpass 66 million by 2030.

“Today’s agreement forms a significant part of this commitment as it aims to develop and promote regenerative models of commercial agriculture. Ncora is a farm with so much potential, growing with a community who live close to nature – the very essence of what Danone stands for. As a farm that has all the necessary infrastructure in place, we believe that they are geared towards our journey of strengthening the resilience of the sector through protecting soil, empowering farmers, and promoting animal welfare,” says Nkantsu.

“Partnerships with the private sector to bolster farming is critical to meeting the country’s objectives. I am inspired by being part of this journey with Ncora and Danone – one that ensures farmers are given the opportunity to grow their skills and become more sustainable but also that ensures Danone receives the very best milk for their products while placing the environment front and centre,” says Former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women from 2013 – 2021 and shareholder of Ncora Dairy.

“Our business started with the support of other farmers from the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, and local government to build infrastructure. We are extremely thankful for the support we have been offered which has set us in good stead to reach this incredible partnership milestone. I look forward to this partnership and the value that this will bring in upskilling us to be a Zero Carbon Emission generating farm,” says Simpiwe Somdyala – CEO Amadlelo Agri.