Danone’s early-life nutrition division saw sales rise 10.9% in its third quarter results, which is in line with previous quarters. This performance reflects 3.7% growth in volume and a 7.2% increase in prices. The division turned in solid performances in all of its geographical markets.

In Europe, double-digit growth was driven by the success of international brands exported to China, including Aptamil and Nutrilon. As the surge in growth got off to a strong start in the closing quarter of 2014, it is expected that this year’s fourth quarter will be weaker.

In China, Danone is continuing to lay the foundations of its local model, based on developing sales through specialised stores and gradually creating a structure for its local internet offering. It describes infant formula sales in the rest of the world as buoyant, with double-digit growth in Latin America, the Middle East and North America.

Fresh dairy sales were marginally (0.6%) up, reflecting a 3.3% fall in volumes and a 3.9% price effect.