Danone has announced it is exploring a multi-year collaboration with Microsoft to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) throughout Danone’s operations.

Through the collaboration, the companies intend to launch a Danone Microsoft AI Academy, dedicated to upskilling all Danone employees to ensure that all Danoners are equipped with the AI and digital tools they need to thrive in the new AI-driven economy.

It builds on Danone’s recently launched ‘DanSkills’ programme, which aims to upskill and reskill around 100,000 Danone employees to the jobs of the future and attract new talent. 50,000 Danone employees can already leverage AI in their day-to-day job, using tools like Microsoft Copilot.

The Academy intends to provide a wide range of learning opportunities designed to enhance AI literacy and expertise across the organization, benefiting all employees. This includes initiatives tailored to various employee groups to ensure comprehensive training coverage.

Through the collaboration with Microsoft and other institutions, Danone aims to create a dynamic and inclusive skilling environment that evolves with workforce needs. The program also aims to promote collaboration and innovation, reinforcing Danone’s commitment to empowering its employees with essential AI skills and preparing the Company for future challenges.

The collaboration with Microsoft aims to empower Danone with cutting-edge AI solutions and build use cases for all of Danone’s functions. Initially, the companies will explore creating an AI-enabled supply chain to:

• Elevate operational efficiency, enabling a smarter, more responsive approach to managing logistics and manufacturing through predictive forecasting, real-time adjustments and streamlined operations.

• Develop digital twinning of core skills to assist data driven decision making by core professionals in Danone’s procurement, production and distribution teams.

Danone and Microsoft will embark on a journey of learning, performance, innovation, and value creation, with the common goal of empowering employees to get the most out of AI and unlock new capabilities. Juergen Esser, Danone’s deputy chief executive officer in charge of Finance, Technology and Data, said, "Our collaboration with Microsoft will accelerate our AI transformation, providing us with the tools, technology, and expertise to explore new frontiers in data analysis, operational efficiency, and consumer engagement. Working together is not just about technology; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation and performance across our organization."

Hayete Gallot, corporate vice president, Commercial Solutions Areas said, "Danone is looking to the future and understanding the role that AI will play in not only transforming their organization but the world. We are thrilled to support them in fostering innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, and increasing data-driven decision-making across all functions. With our future Danone Microsoft AI Academy, we aim to empower Danone's workforce with the tools and expertise needed to excel in an AI-driven economy."