FDBusiness.com

Danone, through its a corporate venture capital unit, Danone Manifesto Ventures, has become a shareholder of Yooji, the French start-up aiming to revolutionise baby food by providing frozen portion-sized organic products. This investment is the fourth of Danone Manifesto Ventures in a year, building on its commitment to support companies at the forefront of bringing about the alimentation trends of tomorrow.

Founded in September 2012, Yooji responds to a growing demand from parents for high-quality healthy baby meals, which are easy and convenient, yet remain as close as possible to home-cooked meals. All products are sourced from organic farms and cooked in France with 100% natural ingredients, without salt or additives. Its products are sold in more than 600 stores throughout France.

As part of Yooji’s capital-raising, Danone Manifesto Ventures joined forces with the company’s long-standing shareholders – Caravelle, a family-owned diversified industrial group, and Capagro, the first French venture capital fund dedicated to agriculture and food innovation.

This deal was completed in close collaboration with Blédina, the Danone-owned brand which continues to lead the French infant nutrition market.

Yooji will continue to operate independently, with the development of the business remaining entirely in the hands of its existing management team.

Launched at the end of 2016, Danone Manifesto Ventures is financed by Danone, with the mission of supporting the development of innovative companies with high growth potential which share its vision of alimentation.