Emmi increases stake in Bettinehoeve

By Jim Cornall

- Last updated on GMT

Bettinehoeve products are sold in the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, France, the Nordics and Belgium. Pic: Emmi
Bettinehoeve products are sold in the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, France, the Nordics and Belgium. Pic: Emmi
Swiss dairy company Emmi is increasing its stake in Dutch goat’s milk processor Bettinehoeve to 90%.

The family business, in which Emmi has held a 60% stake since 2016, has steadily strengthened its position in recent years thanks to its diverse range of goat’s cheese varieties. Emmi is therefore exercising the option to increase its stake in Bettinehoeve.

Products made from goat’s milk are among the most attractive niches in the dairy industry internationally, the company said.  Bettinehoeve products are mainly sold through Dutch retailers. Other important markets are the UK, Germany, France, the Nordics and Belgium.

“With this increase in our stake, we can integrate Bettinehoeve even better into our global goat’s milk network and strengthen our commitment to this important growth segment for Emmi,”​ Robin Barraclough, head of the business division Europe, said.

Bettinehoeve was founded in 1982 by Johan Ewijk, the father of the current managing director Sybren Ewijk. He will retain a 10% stake in the company and will continue to be responsible for the further development of the business in the future.

The increase in the stake in Bettinehoeve also affects Emmi’s share in Goat Milk Powder (GMP), the joint venture between Bettinehoeve and AVH dairy, another Dutch subsidiary of Emmi. GMP was founded in 2013. AVH dairy is responsible for the marketing, sales and distribution of products used, for example, in the production of sports nutrition and baby food. Production takes place at Bettinehoeve. Emmi now holds 80.9% of GMP shares.

The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.