Danone Shuts US Plant-Based Beverage Factory

French food giant is set to close its dairy-alternatives manufacturing facility in Bridgeton, New Jersey, as part of a broader restructuring and manufacturing consolidation strategy across its North American operations. According to reports from Just Drinks and regional business media, the plant closure will affect around 114 employees, with operations scheduled to end on August 4, 2026, and layoffs continuing through November. (Just Drinks)

The 185,000-square-foot Bridgeton facility currently manufactures Silk dairy-free beverages including almond, soy and cashew milk products, along with So Delicious oatmilk and creamers. The site, established in 2001, is recognized as the first soy protein extraction facility in the United States and was also among Danone North America’s first plants to achieve Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) status.

Danone stated that the closure is part of efforts to “transform” and simplify its manufacturing network while investing in “critical capabilities” across its core US footprint for long-term efficiency and growth. Industry reports suggest production may shift toward larger facilities in states such as Texas and Ohio, where Danone has already been expanding manufacturing capacity in recent years.

The decision comes at a time when the global food and beverage industry is witnessing major shifts in consumer demand. Danone has recently reported strong growth in high-protein yogurt and nutrition products linked to rising GLP-1 weight-loss drug usage, while competition and margin pressure continue to impact traditional packaged food and plant-based beverage categories. Analysts believe the closure reflects a wider trend of food companies streamlining operations and concentrating investments in faster-growing, higher-margin dairy and functional nutrition segments.

Source: Dairynews7x7 9 May, 2026 Read full story here

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