Emmi increases stake in Emmi Ambrosi France to 85%

Swiss cheese and dairy company Emmi has increased its stake in packaged cheese joint venture (JV) Emmi Ambrosi France from 51% to 85%.

The remaining 15% stake is owned by the Italian Ambrosi Group.

The financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed by either of the companies.

Emmi Ambrosi France is a JV between Emmi and Italian cheese specialist Ambrosi.

Emmi has held a stake in Emmi Ambrosi France since January 2008.

Emmi Ambrosi France has annual sales of around Sfr80m ($80.3m) and specialises in the production of freshly packaged cheese, known locally as frais-emballé.

It is also responsible for the administrative and logistical handling of A-27’s dessert products within the country.

Ambrosi primarily produces, matures and markets Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano cheeses, in addition to other common varieties such as mozzarella and gorgonzola.

Emmi previously increased its stake in Dutch goat and sheep milk product trader AVH dairy trade (AVH) from 75% to 90% last month.

The remaining 10% stake is set to be held by AVH.

Emmi has held a stake in AVH, a subsidiary of Emmi Benelux, since 1 January 2013.

Netherlands-based AVH is engaged in the production of cheese, milk powder and proteins concentrates using goat and sheep milk, which are distributed across the European, Asian and US markets.

The company’s products produced using goats milk currently occupy an important niche in Emmi’s product portfolio and this is said to be one of the primary reasons that Emmi elected to increase its stake in AVH.