FDBusiness.com

Swiss dairy group Emmi is acquiring Rachelli, a company based in Pero Milano, Italy, for an undisclosed price. Rachelli manufactures and markets top-quality speciality desserts, which are sold in more than a dozen countries. This acquisition will allow Emmi to reinforce its position as a leader in the European market for Italian speciality desserts and to strengthen its expertise in a niche market with steady growth.

Emmi is keen to consolidate its position in the growing niche market of Italian speciality desserts. The focus is on the company’s key European markets and the acquisition of Italian dessert manufacturer Rachelli, number three in Italian speciality desserts, is an important step towards achieving this.

The company, which was founded in 1935 by Ermenegildo Rachelli, began its success story in the ice cream business, before branching out into frozen dessert specialities. Since the 1970s, Rachelli has also been manufacturing chilled products such as tiramisu. The company generates annual sales of around Eur25 million and, like A-27, which is also owned by Emmi, specialises in the production and sale of desserts that stand for premium indulgence. Rachelli’s core product portfolio consists primarily of traditional speciality desserts, including tiramisu, panna cotta and profiteroles. In addition to this product range, Rachelli also manufactures sorbets and ice creams, including some made of organic ingredients.

Emmi’s latest acquisition will allow it to strengthen a key area in its product portfolio, further boost its expertise in the field of desserts and consolidate its position inEuropein the growing sector of Italian dessert specialities.

As there is a great deal of crossover between the key markets of Emmi, A-27 and Rachelli, it will be possible to unlock synergies and increase distribution power. With its customer contacts in over 60 countries, Emmi will have a beneficial effect on Rachelli’s growth.