Emmi is the largest producer of organic dairy products in Switzerland and is moving ahead with its involvement in this segment outside of the country. Examples include the lactose-free organic dairy products from US firm Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery, the organic and Demeter-certified desserts of Italy-based Rachelli and – its biggest undertaking – Gläserne Molkerei’s full product range.
Emmi began collaborating with Gläserne Molkerei in 2012 after acquiring a minority stake in the company. It built on this in 2014, when it increased its holding from 24% to 76%, before taking over the company fully on January 20, 2016.
Urs Riedener, CEO of Emmi said, “Natural, sustainably manufactured products are a major trend in the dairy business, which Emmi wants to take even better account of in the future. In Gläserne Molkerei we have a very strong niche company that offers lots of potential for the future.”
Milk from Northeast Germany and Denmark
Gläserne Molkerei, which was established in 2001, has a workforce of around 100 staff and two sites in Münchehofe and Dechow. The company generates sales of just under $108m (€100m).
The approximately 120m liters of milk it processes come largely from Northeast Germany and Denmark. Gläserne Molkerei’s range includes milk, butter, milk powder, cream, yogurt, quark and cheese. The Münchehofe site focuses primarily on naturally matured organic cheese and organic milk, while organic milk, butter, cream and yogurt are produced in Dechow.
The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.