Danone Partners with Big Ten Conference to Promote Healthier Nutrition with Oikos and Silk Products

Danone and Big Ten Conference Unite for Healthier Nutrition

In a historic move, Danone has become the first official yogurt and plant-based beverages partner of the Big Ten Conference. This multi-year collaboration aims to enhance nutrition and promote healthier eating habits among students and athletes across the United States. With Danone's Oikos® high-protein yogurt and Silk® plant-based beverages, the partnership focuses on bringing nutrient-rich products to Big Ten communities and supporting the wellbeing of over 14,000 student-athletes and 580,000 students.

Starting in the first quarter of 2026, Danone will roll out programs that emphasize the importance of quality nutrition, reinforcing its commitment to making healthy food accessible for everyone. This initiative will not only target campuses and athletic events but also local food pantries and digital platforms, ensuring that Danone's products reach a wide audience within the Big Ten ecosystem.

Dan Magliocco, President of Danone North America, expressed enthusiasm for this partnership: "By bringing Oikos and Silk to Big Ten campuses, we're providing nutrient-dense products that help students and athletes thrive – on campus and beyond. This collaboration allows us to leverage our expertise in nutrition science to address the specific dietary needs of students."

Danone's approach goes beyond just providing products. The company plans to implement brand activations to engage students and fans during athletic events and retail promotions. Furthermore, the partnership will focus on improving nutrition access, tailoring campus programs, and creating educational tools that encourage healthy lifestyle choices.

The deep geographical ties between Danone and the Big Ten strengthen their collaboration, as Danone sources ingredients from over 50 farms located across the U.S. Their largest yogurt manufacturing facility is in Minster, Ohio, which produces an impressive 2 million pounds of yogurt daily. This local sourcing and production align with the mission to connect agriculture directly to student life and community health initiatives.

Dr. James Borchers, Chief Medical Officer of the Big Ten Conference, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, "Our students and communities deserve the best when it comes to their health. By collaborating with Danone, we are addressing challenges like food insecurity and expanding nutrition education, supporting students in building healthy habits that will benefit them in the long run."

The Big Ten Network is equally excited about this partnership, with BTN President François McGillicuddy emphasizing Danone's ability to enhance the fan experience while fostering healthier food choices.

Danone's commitment to supporting American agriculture and jobs is evident throughout its history. Since its inception in the Bronx in 1942, the company has evolved into a major player in the U.S. food industry, employing 5,000 workers and partnering with local farms to produce high-quality, nutritious products. As a Certified B Corporation®, Danone is dedicated to creating both economic and social value, while committing to sustainable practices and regenerative agriculture.

The partnership with the Big Ten Conference represents a unique opportunity to bring health-focused food options to a generation of students and athletes, reinforcing a culture of wellness and nutrition education that will have lasting impacts.

In summary, as Danone teams up with the Big Ten Conference, the focus on nutrition and health access is more critical than ever. By utilizing the influence of sports, this partnership will not only promote Danone’s Oikos and Silk brands but will also work to cultivate a healthier future for student communities across the U.S.