Emmi Strengthens Cheese Business
Swiss dairy group Emmi is purchasing Rutz Kase, which specialises in the production, ageing and pre-packaging of Swiss semi-hard and hard cheese, for an undisclosed price. Rutz Kase expects to generate sales of SFr40m (Eur33m) in 2011, with around 60% generated in Switzerland and 40% from its international business.
The deal is subject to approval from the Swiss competition authority. The acquisition will reinforce Emmi’s position as the leading cheese supplier in Switzerland and as an exporter of Swiss cheese, and is in line with the company’s growth strategy.
“The international business of Rutz Käse AG takes us a further step forward in securing our position in the highly competitive cheese business and in better marketing Swiss cheese abroad,” says Urs Riedener, chief executive of Emmi.
