Third quarter results for the French dairy and food giant were strong; it is moving forward with partnerships and market expansions in India and Egypt; and it plans to introduce a second probiotic product in the United States.

Third quarter sales were up 7.1% compared to the same period last year, and through the first three quarters of the year sales have jumped 6.7%.

Danone formed a joint venture last month (Yakult Danone India) with frequent partner Yakult Honsha of Japan to launch probiotic milk products in India early next year. YDI will initially market Yakult products, and Danone probiotics range may be added later.

Chairman Franck Riboud said at Danone's quarterly results conference that its Activa brand would be introduced to the U.S. market in the first quarter of 2006.