The $10.4 billion price tag French multinational food-products corporation Danone is paying for WhiteWave Foods is well worth it, according to market analysts at Packaged Facts who say the move positions the company to become a leader in lucrative and growing food and beverage industry that is favoring natural and organic products.
Researchers estimate the U.S. retail market for natural and organic foods and beverages will reach $87 billion in 2019, up from barely $53 billion in 2014. Packaged Facts analysts say dairy products — including milk and milk alternatives, yogurt, ice cream, eggs, and cheese — comprise 30 percent of natural and organic food retail sales, second only to fresh produce with 35 percent of the market.