Danone has entered into a multi-year collaboration with Microsoft to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) throughout the FMCG giant’s operations.
Through the partnership, the companies intend to launch an AI Academy which will be dedicated to upskilling all of Danone’s employees to ensure that they are equipped with AI and digital tools.
The move builds on Danone’s recently launched ‘DanSkills’ programme, which aims to upskill and reskill around 100,000 employees and attract new talent.
Currently, 50,000 of the food firm’s employees can already leverage AI in their day-to-day job, using tools like Microsoft Copilot.
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The Academy intends to provide a wide range of learning opportunities designed to enhance AI literacy and expertise across the organisation. This includes initiatives tailored to various employee groups to ensure comprehensive training coverage, while the programme also aims to promote collaboration and innovation.
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.
It will also look at developing digital twinning of core skills to assist data driven decision making by core professionals in Danone’s procurement, production and distribution teams.
Danone deputy CEO in charge of finance, technology and data, Juergen Esser 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 organisation.”
