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SURVEY REVEALS ONE-THIRD OF DIETERS CUTTING DAIRY, MISSING A KEY WEIGHT-LOSS TOOL

The Dannon Company Offers Tools and Know-How to Help Consumers Commit To Be Light ‘n Fit

November 10, 2004

White Plains, N.Y.

A new survey by the Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) shows that 95 percent of American dieters claim they know which foods to avoid when trying to lose weight. However, while recent studies show that calcium from dairy foods can actually help people lose weight, dieters are either unaware of the research, or ignore it. In fact, 33 percent of dieters are eliminating dairy products rather than maintaining or adding them as part of their weight-loss regimen. Ironically, ORC’s survey found that 68 percent of dieters are concerned with getting enough calcium, specifically, in the forms of milk, yogurt and cheese. So is the government. In an effort to increase dairy and calcium intake, food industry analysts expect the USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reinforce the recommended three servings of dairy calcium per day when they release the new Food Guidance System next year. In an effort to help all consumers - dieters and non-dieters alike - better understand what constitutes a healthy diet and lifestyle, The Dannon Company has created a program called “Commit To Be Light ‘n Fit” The program encourages consumers to commit themselves to eating healthy and staying fit by signing a contract with themselves. Experts say that dieters who write down goals and calorie intake are more successful in losing weight than those who don’t. The Commit To Be Light ‘n Fit Contract is a personalized pledge consumers can make to themselves to achieve and maintain their nutrition and fitness goals. According to the NPD Group, a company that provides sales and marketing information to a variety of industries, the leading diet plan among American dieters is "My Own Diet." According to this approach, consumers combine elements from a variety of famous weight-loss plans, such as Atkins, South Beach and the Zone. Currently nearly 25 percent of American dieters take this route, which reflects consumers’ increasing desire to find an approach that’s right for them. Unfortunately, since many of these dieters are not fully informed, their diets often lack important nutrients like calcium and fiber. Dannon is taking note of this growing trend of self empowerment with the introduction of the "Commit To Be Light ‘n Fit" program. Through this initiative, Dannon is providing Americans with healthy eating and training tips and promoting the importance of dairy calcium and physical activity as key components of total health. The company has partnered with noted nutritionist and award-winning TV journalist Carolyn O’Neil and celebrity trainer Kathy Kaehler. Dannon and the duo, dubbed "Team Light ‘n Fit," are asking consumers to sign the contract and are offering diet and exercise tips at a new Web site to be launched at the beginning of January 2005. At www.lightnfit.com, Team Light ‘n Fit will provide fitness and nutrition guidance for consumers with the help of several tips and tools, including Body Mass Index and Calcium calculators. Tips include exercises that are perfect for on-the-go lifestyles and healthy substitutions for not-so-healthy cravings. "Through this effort, we’re encouraging people to commit themselves to a healthier lifestyle by exercising and eating right," said Eric O’Toole, Senior Marketing Director, The Dannon Company. "To help them turn goals into reality, we’re providing an array of tools that enable consumers to establish personal goals and achieve them. We believe Dannon and Light ‘n Fit can be a great partner for consumers who believe good nutrition and fitness are core elements of their well-being." Recent studies also reveal some interesting facts about which foods in particular contribute to weight loss. In a 24-week study conducted by Michael Zemel, Ph.D., obese adults who ate three servings of yogurt daily as part of a weight-loss plan lost more weight and more body fat than those who simply reduced calories. They also lost more weight than people who ate fewer calories and had adequate levels of calcium, but not in the dairy calcium form.* The Dannon Company offers an array of products that have excellent and good sources of calcium, as well as many other natural ingredients, vitamins and minerals. One of Dannon’s latest new products due in February 2005, Light ‘n Fit® with Fiber, is heart-healthy and provides a good source of fiber. *As part of a high-calcium, reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan. About Dannon The Dannon Company, Inc., is a leading national producer of yogurt products in the United States with corporate headquarters in White Plains, N.Y., and plants in Minster, Ohio; Fort Worth, Texas; and West Jordan, Utah. With a strong commitment to high-quality, wholesome, nutritious and innovative products, Dannon produces about 6 million cups of yogurt each day in 100 flavors, styles and sizes. For more information about Dannon, visit the company’s Web site at www.dannon.com. About the Survey The study was conducted by the Opinion Research Corporation on October 22-25, 2004 among 1,033 adults 18 and older, including 436 who are currently on a diet. The margin of error is plus or minus three percentage points among all adults and five percentage points among those on a diet.