PALM DESERT, Calif., Jan. 28, 2026—Danone was recognized today with the third annual International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) Workplace of the Year Award at IDFA’s Dairy Forum in Palm Desert, California. The award, co-sponsored by IDFA and Dairy Processing magazine, is given each year to an outstanding IDFA member company that has created policies to promote a positive workplace experience for employees. Award recipients demonstrate efforts, create cultures of inclusiveness and respect, support professional development, and establish paid parental leave, flexible work hours and gender pay equality, among other criteria.
“IDFA is proud to honor Danone with the 2026 Workplace of the Year Award, celebrating the company’s steadfast commitment to building an inclusive, collaborative culture where every employee can thrive,” said Becky Rasdall Vargas, IDFA senior vice president for trade and workforce policy. “Our independent panel of judges was impressed by Danone’s dedication to empowering its people, from fostering employee resource groups and establishing dedicated time for meaningful professional growth, to supporting work-life balance through flexible workplace policies. IDFA congratulates Danone on this well-earned recognition of its leadership in creating an exemplary and supportive workplace.”
In a blind review of the nominees, the panel of judges determined that Danone set a high bar for their programs and policies focused on the physical, mental, and financial wellness of employees; leadership and professional development; paid parental and family leave and flexible work; and creating a culture of inclusiveness and respect for all people. For example, Danone offers 18 weeks of parental bonding leave for eligible U.S. employees who have been employed for at least one full year of service prior to the date of birth or custody of a new family member. They also offer competitive financial and medical benefits, as well as flexible time off for their employees. Danone also hosts regular development days to ensure that employees are able to dedicate time to their professional development on an ongoing basis.
“We are very honored to receive the IDFA Workplace of the Year Award,” said Miguel Oliveira, senior director, head of opportunity & belonging for all with Danone U.S. “Building culture is a team sport, so this award belongs to every Danoner who day in, and day out give their best to bring health through food to as many people while nurturing a work environment that promotes opportunity and belonging for all.”
Previous winners of the IDFA Workplace of the Year Award, co-sponsored by IDFA and Dairy Processing magazine, are Saputo USA (2025) and Schreiber Foods (2024).
A call for nominations for the 2027 Workplace of the Year Award will be released this summer. More information about the award can be found here.
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Contact: press@idfa.org
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in direct wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.