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Group Danone posted a 7.2 percent increase in like-for-like sales and a 14 percent gain in operating margin during the 2007 fiscal year, on the back of a strong performance in its dairy and bottled water businesses.

Franck Riboud, chairman and CEO, said in a prepared statement: “2007 was a historic year for Danone; a year of strategic decisions that reinforce our leadership position in healthy food. It was also a year of remarkable profitable growth. Despite strong headwinds, Danone had again reached its ambitious targets thanks to the highest ever growth rate in the fresh dairy division and a very strong fourth quarter in the water division. The underlying strength of the business, coupled with the smooth integration of our Numico business, gives me particular confidence in the group's ability to accelerate its growth profile even further. As a consequence, we are increasing our growth targets for 2008 and beyond.”