Danone keeps its guidance as Q2 sales beat expectations

Danone kept its 2026 outlook after second-quarter sales beat expectations, helped by a rebound in specialised nutrition and a strong water performance. The French consumer group reported like-for-like sales up 4.2%, versus forecasts for a 3.7% rise. Growth came from specialised nutrition (+4.5%) and water (+4.7%), with Volvic benefiting from a hot European summer. Overall, Danone said prices rose about 2.3% while volumes increased 1.9%. Recurring operating income for the first half was €1.854 billion, with a 13.3% margin. The company reiterated guidance for 3% to 5% like-for-like sales growth in 2026, with operating income growing faster than sales.