Emmi acquires blue cheese plant in Wisconsin, US

Swiss cheese and dairy company Emmi has expanded its presence in the US market with the acquisition of the Great Lakes Cheese Company’s production site in Seymour, Wisconsin.

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed by either party.

Operating as Emmi Roth, the US business includes exported cheeses from Switzerland, as well as locally produced cheese.

The Seymour plant has been operational since 2005 and specialises in the production and packaging of blue cheese. It has been engaged in the manufacturing of more than seven million pounds of cheese.

Additionally, the plant is installed with equipment that is designed to crumble blue cheese and pack it into cups for the retail trade or larger portions for the food service sector.

As per the terms of the deal, Emmi will acquire the factory, the related land and all of the production facilities and equipment.

Emmi Roth intends to continue the employment of all 50 workers currently at the Seymour factory.

By acquiring the facility, Emmi plans to gain additional capacity for the production of blue cheese in the US.

Emmi Roth’s current portfolio includes buttermilk blue cheese available in original, smoked and affinée varieties. It is distributed to the retail and food service sector.

The addition of the Seymour plant will also enable Emmi to extend the value chain and allow it to develop new varieties of blue cheese.

In August Last year, Emmi increased its stake in packaged cheese joint venture (JV) Emmi Ambrosi France from 51% to 85%.