French Groupe Danone has posted a 14.9% increase in sales revenue for the first quarter, boosted by a favorable exchange rate and strong growth in Asia. Sales for the first quarter were $4.4 billion compared to $3.7 billion a year ago. Like-for-like sales in beverages increased by 11.8%, while fresh dairy product sales rose 9.5%. The group said that the performance is in line with expectations and is a result of robust growth in Asia, America, eastern Europe as well as improved sales in France.