Danone is a leading European food multinational company who has been aggressively pursuing societal ("CSR") objectives for more than 40 years, and has developed an even more ambitious dual project since 2008. In 2011, in the aftermath of the worldwide crisis, the firm finds it increasingly difficult to meet its growth and profit objectives. Some voices in the Executive Committee are complaining that the societal agenda is putting undue pressure on the business.

The case briefly outlines Danone history and describes the organization and platforms enabling the firm to implement its new vision, which integrates business and societal objectives. The different platforms are illustrated by 12 examples of societal projects conducted throughout the world. In many instances the case hints at the way Danone uses CSR as a lever for transforming the company.
Danone needs to reexamine its societal approach to see whether it hinders or helps achieve business results. This begs the questions of 1) the legitimacy of Danone's management to develop these CSR initiatives 2) the method chosen by the firm to do so (how is Danone developing its dual approach?) and 3) the results accomplished so far.