FDBusiness.com

Swiss dairy processor Emmi Group has gradually been expanding its international goat’s milk network since 2010. By taking a 66% stake in Austrian goat’s and sheep’s milk processor Leeb Biomilch, Emmi is building on its position in this market. The acquisition also expands Emmi’s range of organic vegan products.

Founded in 2001, Leeb Biomilch has established a leading position in Europe for organic goat’s and sheep’s milk products in fresh and UHT milk, milk drinks and yogurt. It has some 50 employees and generates annual sales of approximately €15 million.

Emmi entered the goat’s milk products business in 2010 through its acquisition of Californian company Cypress Grove and Swiss brand Le Petit Chevrier. Positive experience in this segment has prompted Emmi to gradually strengthen its position in this attractive niche. Emmi’s goat’s milk network now includes two goat’s milk processors in the US (Cypress Grove, Redwood Hill), three in Europe (Bettinehoeve (NL), Goat Milk Powder (NL), Lácteos Caprinos (ES)) and AVH Dairy, a global trading company also based in the Netherlands. These are all small to medium-sized companies with attractive positions in selected segments.