Emmi to acquire 60% stake in Bettinehoeve

Emmi will purchase a 60% stake in Netherlands-based goat’s cheese manufacturer Bettinehoeve to strengthen its business in the growing market of goat’s milk products.

The Swiss milk processor is expected to close the deal with Bettinehoeve by the end of the month.

Emmi expects to establish itself in the goat’s milk product segment, which have high demand due to nutritional benefits.

Emmi Group CEO Urs Riedener said: "Emmi now has a tried and tested network of firms successfully operating in the premium and specialities markets.

"We have shown our ability to do a particularly good job of integrating pioneering family-owned enterprises into the Emmi Group over the long term.

"Maintaining the culture specific to a firm helps to further reinforce its success on the market."

Bettinehoeve managing director Sybren Ewijk and his existing management team will retain their responsibilities in the company andBettinehoeve will continue to operate independently in the market.

Ewijk said: "I am confident that Emmi is the right decision for Bettinehoeve.

"We have worked together with Emmi over the past three years in the joint venture that we share (goat milk powder).

"Emmi is a reliable partner. In addition, they have encouraged us to continue on our successful path."

The acquisition emerges after a significantly challenging European market for milk products.

Ewijk added: "This partnership offers great synergies and growth opportunities, for example by increasing the distribution of the Bettine ranges through the sales network Emmi has in Europe and overseas."

Emmi emerged in the goat’s milk products market in 2010 with the acquisition of Cypress Grove Chevre, a goat’s cheese producer in the US.

It was followed by two acquisitions, one in 2013 with a 70% acquisition of Dutch AVH dairy and the other in December 2015 with the purchase of US company Redwood Hill Farm and Creamery.

In January, Emmi gained complete ownership of Gläserne Molkerei, a leading organic milk processor in Germany.

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Image: Emmi expects to strengthen its business in the goat’s milk products market with its latest acquisition. Photo: courtesy of Suat Eman / freedigitalphotos.