Yakult Chooses Taapsee Pannu as Its New Brand Ambassador

Yakult aims to maintain a strong growth trajectory, averaging double-digit annual increases through 2030, while enlisting Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu as its brand representative.

Danone India Pvt. Ltd., a collaboration between Yakult Honsha in Japan and Groupe Danone in France, has announced that Taapsee Pannu will serve as their new brand ambassador. This partnership emphasizes Yakult’s commitment to advancing public awareness surrounding gut health throughout India. The company has also announced ambitious plans for consistent double-digit growth in the coming years until 2030.

Since its launch in India in 2008, Yakult has spread to approximately 700 cities, effectively pioneering the probiotic beverage sector and increasing awareness about gut health. As India shifts towards healthier dietary options, the rising demand for probiotics and functional foods establishes this nation as a pivotal market in Yakult’s growth strategy.

Reflecting on her association with the brand, Taapsee Pannu stated, “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.” She expressed excitement about sharing the message of health and encouraging others to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

Furthermore, Eiji Amano, Managing Director of Yakult Danone India Pvt. Ltd., emphasized India’s impressive growth potential, mentioning the transition of Yakult from a new category in 2008 to a thriving market today. He noted, “Our next milestone of achieving double-digit growth every year until 2030 reflects the growing demand for probiotics and our confidence in the Indian market…”

Additionally, Dr. Neerja Hajela, Chief Scientific Officer at Yakult Danone India Pvt. Ltd., mentioned how Yakult enhances nutrition absorption due to its unique probiotic strain, effectively promoting digestive health.

In an effort to spread the conversation regarding gut health further, Taku Otsuka, the Director of Sales, PR & Marketing, stated, “Our mission transcends merely selling products; we aim to make gut health practices ordinary in daily life through innovative marketing strategies and meaningful consumer engagement.”

The market for probiotic beverages in India is on an upswing, projected to grow from a valuation of approximately INR 1,348.8 million in 2024 to nearly INR 5,778.9 million by 2033, showcasing a robust growth rate of 16.67% from 2025 to 2033 according to industry research.

A distinctive feature of Yakult’s operations in India is the ‘Yakult Ladies’ delivery model, where trained women deliver Yakult directly to homes, ensuring freshness and educating families about gut health. This initiative empowers women by enhancing their financial independence and confidence across various Indian cities.

Yakult is a probiotic drink containing over 6.5 billion beneficial bacteria, specifically Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota. It aids digestion and enhances immunity and is available in 40 countries and regions worldwide.

As health-conscious living gains traction in India, functional foods and probiotics are increasingly becoming the preferred choices for wellness and better health outcomes.