Emmi Sells Stake in Italian Cheese Specialist
Swiss dairy group Emmi is selling its 24 % stake in Italian fresh cheese specialist Venchiaredo, which generates sales of approximately €20 million. In doing so, Emmi is focusing its activities in Italy on the dessert business, cheese exports from Switzerland and its 25 % stake in cheese trader Ambrosi.
Emmi has been a minority stakeholder in cooperative Venchiaredo, which is based in Ramuscello, Italy, since January 2010. At the same time Emmi Italy took over sales of Venchiaredo products. In 2012, Emmi increased its stake from 10 % to 24 %.
The aim of this holding was to participate in Italy’s growing fresh cheese market and generate synergies associated with fresh products from Trentinalatte. Due to the sale of Italian company Trentinalatte in autumn 2014, Emmi has now decided to also dispose of its stake in Venchiaredo and to give up the sale of Venchiaredo products. Granarolo, based in Bologna (Italy), will take over the sale of Venchiaredo products. Emmi’s strategy continues to invest in markets and segments with considerable growth potential.
Venchiaredo produces mozzarella, stracchino, mascarpone, ricotta and butter, and generates around two-thirds of its sales in Italy. The transaction has no significant impact on Emm’s EBIT or net profit.
