Yakult Danone India, a joint venture between Japan’s Yakult Honsha and France’s Groupe Danone, appointed Bollywood actor Taapsee Pannu as its new brand ambassador. The company also announced its aim to grow at a double-digit rate annually through 2030.
Since its entry into India in 2008, Yakult has expanded to nearly 700 cities across the country, establishing itself in the probiotic dairy drink category and creating greater awareness around
gut health. As more Indians shift toward healthier food and drink options, demand for probiotics is growing, making India a key market for Yakult’s future plans.
A unique strength in Yakult’s India journey has been the ‘Yakult Ladies’ home delivery program. Trained women deliver the product directly to households, ensuring freshness and building trust while spreading awareness about gut health. The program also supports women’s empowerment by offering financial independence and confidence to hundreds of women across Indian cities.
Yakult is a probiotic drink with over 6.5 billion beneficial bacteria, specifically Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (Shirota strain), known to support digestion and immunity. First developed in Japan, it’s now available in 40 countries and regions worldwide.
As India continues to witness a surge in health-conscious living, functional foods and probiotics are emerging as a natural choice for preventive wellness, improved immunity, and long-term health. With a legacy of 90 years backed by strong scientific research, Yakult is well-positioned to lead this transformation and make probiotics an everyday health ritual for Indian households.
Speaking on her association with the brand, Taapsee Pannu, Bollywood Actor & Yakult Brand Ambassador said, “I’m really happy to be part of Yakult’s journey in promoting good gut health. My family has been enjoying Yakult for years, especially my mom, and I’ve seen first-hand how small, consistent habits can make a big difference. I truly believe that good health starts in the gut, and Yakult is such an easy, tasty way to include that in our daily routine. I’m excited to help spread this message and encourage more people across India to embrace a healthier lifestyle.”
Reiterating Yakult’s business vision, Eiji Amano, Managing Director, Yakult Danone India Stated, “India has shown remarkable growth potential for Yakult over the last 17 years. From a nascent category in 2008 to a rapidly expanding market today, Yakult has continuously won consumer trust and our next milestone of achieving double-digit growth every year until 2030 reflects the growing demand for probiotics and the confidence we have in the Indian market. Yakult stands committed to reaching more families with our scientifically backed probiotic drink.”
Highlighting the science behind Yakult, Dr. Neerja Hajela, CSO – Science and Regulatory Affairs, Yakult Danone India, said, “Yakult is a daily catalyst that improves the effectiveness of our diet by enhancing the absorption of nutrients in the gut. This is because only Yakult contains the unique Shirota strain, clinically proven to increase the good bacteria in the gut, thereby boosting absorption and digestion. Yakult ensures effective delivery and consistent health benefits.”
Sharing the company’s vision for consumer outreach, Taku Otsuka, Director – Sales, PR & Marketing, Yakult Danon, said, “Our mission goes beyond just selling products. We want to spark a conversation about gut health and make it part of everyday life for people across the country. Through innovative marketing, on-ground activities, and meaningful engagement with our consumers, Yakult aims to make probiotics a simple, daily habit for every Indian household. After all, good health starts from within, and we want everyone to feel that
difference every day.”
