NIGERIA - Fan Milk Plc, a subsidiary of Danone, has launched a state-of-the-art ambient dairy production line in Ibadan, Nigeria. 

The facility will focus on producing FanYogo, a popular ambient drinking yogurt, positioning Danone to tap into Nigeria's fast-growing market for ambient dairy products.

The new production line is part of Danone’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in the Nigerian dairy sector. 

Ambient dairy drinks, such as drinking yogurt, have become one of the hottest categories in the market, where demand is rising due to the convenience and extended shelf-life of such products in regions with limited refrigeration infrastructure.

Speaking at the inauguration, Véronique Penchienati-Bosetta, Deputy CEO of Danone, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for its latest investment in Africa. 

“This new yogurt production line represents Danone’s long-term commitment to the African market and reflects our belief in the growth potential of the dairy sector. We are focused on delivering nutritious, high-quality products that our consumers can trust,” she said.

Strengthening local dairy production

Governor Oluwaseyi Makinde of Oyo State, represented by Deputy Governor Adebayo Lawal, hailed the opening of the new facility, calling it a significant milestone for the local dairy industry. 

“Fan Milk’s investment not only enhances local production capacity but also creates job opportunities, stimulates the economy, and raises the quality of dairy products available to citizens,” Lawal noted.

The Ibadan facility, which first opened in 1961, has a long history as a key player in Nigeria’s dairy sector. 

Originally a recombination plant with fewer than 30 employees, it has since grown to produce a range of frozen dairy products, including Fan Ice and Go Slo, which are well-known brands across the country. 

The addition of the new ambient line further strengthens Fan Milk’s presence in Nigeria.

Innovation and sustainability

Fan Milk’s Managing Director, Kayode Adebiyi, described the launch as a landmark achievement for the company. 

“The latest technology deployed here ensures that our products meet the highest global standards while also enhancing efficiency and sustainability in our production processes,” he highlighted the role of innovation in the new production line.

Danone’s global leadership also reiterated the importance of the Nigerian market to the company’s long-term growth strategy. 

Christian Stammkoetter, President of Danone’s Africa, Middle East, and Asia Zone, confirmed that this investment mirrors the company’s vision for growth in Nigeria and its commitment to supporting the country's development.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who attended the event, emphasized the crucial role of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria's economy. He praised Fan Milk for its decades of dedication to producing high-quality dairy products and highlighted the broader impact of such investments on job creation and economic growth.