23 January 2007 - A suit taken against Glanbia by Danone is to start today at the High Court in Dublin, reports the Irish press.
Danone is reportedly claiming that Glanbia Essence brand name of yoghurts breaches Irish patent laws. The French dairy giant believes that the brand is too similar to its Essensis yoghurt culture, Activa.
Danone is suing for up to 10 million euro, reports one daily. Furthermore, the French company is also demanding that Glanbia recall all Essence probiotic products and cease using the name.
The press reports add that Glanbia is expected to argue that Danone no longer uses the Bifidus Essensis name in the Irish market and that their Essence range is dissimilar to Essensis.
The reports conclude that sales of probiotic products have surged in Ireland in recent years. Danone reportedly has a 25% market share, whereas Glanbia has seen its probiotic products perform strongly since their launch a year ago.