Canada's food industry is experiencing a dynamic shift towards health-conscious and sustainable options. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that promote well-being and align with their values.
The National Post recently sat down with our category leaders Geneviève Bolduc and Alexandra Latendresse to chat about the future of food and our mission of bringing health through innovative and nutritious products at Danone.
The article has been pulled from the original National Post article published on March 26,2025.
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In recent years, the food industry has undergone a significant transformation driven by an increasing emphasis on health and wellness. Consumers are now prioritizing nourishing ingredients, sustainability factors, and brand reliability more than ever before. According to the Canadian Health Food Association, an impressive 92 per cent of Canadians value healthy eating habits. This shift in consumer priorities is giving rise to new trends that are set to shape the industry for years to come.
One notable trend is the growing awareness among Canadians about gut health’s crucial role in maintaining overall well-being. As reported by Canadian Grocer, yogurt consumption in households surged to 88.6 per cent in 2024 and ACTIVIA emerged as a category leader due to its alignment with consumers’ pursuit of healthier diets through probiotic foods and its pioneering science in this space.
As the yogurt’s parent company, Danone poured decades of research into creating ACTIVIA’s pioneering probiotic formula. It contains a unique strain that’s designed to reach the intestine effectively — contributing to a healthy gut flora.
In an era filled with misinformation, buyers are also looking for reliable, fact-based information sources. Research gathered by ACTIVIA in lead up to its Gut Health Tracker launch found that 57 per cent of Canadians want to improve their gut health but aren’t sure how to begin.1
“We’re on a mission to educate Canadians about their health, backed by decades of science and innovation,” says Geneviève Bolduc, Head of Yogurt at Danone Canada. They’ve also established the ACTIVIA Gut Health Board, made up of world-leading experts that provide consumers with trustworthy information about how to better manage their digestive wellness.
Another emerging trend sees more Canadians actively choosing domestic products; recent surveys conducted across Canada show nearly four out of five respondents (79 per cent) prefer locally made goods supporting both local economies while reducing environmental impact simultaneously.
Danone embraces this shift working closely alongside regional partners whenever possible, particularly when sourcing high-quality ingredients. “We want to build sustainable, local food systems,” says Geneviève Bolduc, Head of Yogurt at Danone. All our yogurts are proudly prepared in Canada with 100 per cent Canadian dairy milk.
Protein-rich foods are also in demand. Nourish Food Marketing’s 2025 Trend Report recently revealed that 71 per cent of Canadians want to eat more protein, and that the number of people who consider protein to be the most important nutritional factor in their diet has risen 112 per cent since 2015.2 Ahead of the curve, Danone developed Oikos PRO yogurt, offering 18 to 24 grams of protein per serving—the highest available in Canada’s yogurt market.
The plant-based sector’s momentum in Canada is undeniable, with 40 per cent of Canadians actively incorporating more plant-based foods into their diets.3 In 2023, 61 per cent reported reducing meat consumption, and 42 per cent opted for dairy alternatives.4 As interest in plant-based foods grows, so does the demand for dietary flexibility and versatility.
“We enable Canadians to meet their nutritional goals without sacrificing taste or quality,” says Alexandra Latendresse, Head of Beverages and Plant-Based at Danone Canada. Silk beverages have revolutionized the non-dairy sector with nutrient-rich alternatives.
These trends highlight a growing consumer demand for sustainable, healthy food options from transparent and caring companies. “Our research shows that Canadians want nutritionally dense offerings that contribute to a sustainable planet and are part of their everyday diets,” says Latendresse. This shift reflects a broader movement towards conscientious consumption, where individuals are increasingly aware of the impact their food choices have on their health and the planet.
Consumers are also increasingly supporting socially conscious corporations. Businesses today are expected to give back and align with ethical values, which is evident through their social efforts. This commitment to the public good has made Danone the largest consumer-facing certified B-Corp in Canada, and they continue to advocate for the highest standards in social, and environmental practices.
“At Danone, we are driven by a profound sense of responsibility and purpose, which extends far beyond our factory doors, intertwining economic success with social good to bring health through food to as many people as possible,” adds Latendresse.
Industry leaders must prioritize products grounded in science, research, and responsibility. By doing so, they can meet the evolving needs of consumers while also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable food system. The future of the food industry lies in its ability to innovate and provide nourishing options that align with the values of today’s informed and conscientious consumers as well as their health needs.
In recent years, the food industry has witnessed remarkable advancements in both taste and nutritional value. Danone has been at the forefront of this progress, introducing innovative products that not only satisfy the palate but also promote a healthier lifestyle. As the industry continues to push the boundaries of food innovation, it is crucial to build on this momentum to ensure that delicious, nutritious, and sustainable food options become accessible to all.
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Works Cited
1. Canada, Danone. “The Majority (57) of Canadians Want to Improve Their Gut Health, but Don’t Know How.” Cision Canada, May 1, 2024
2. Venetis, Tom. “How Companies Are Meeting the Demand for Protein-Rich Products.” Central, January 3, 2025.
3. Sklar Wilton & Associates, Usage and Attitudes, Plant-Based Dairy Alternative, Canada, 2021
4. Sklar Wilton & Associates, Usage and Attitudes, Plant-Based Dairy Alternative, Canada, 2021
