OREANDA-NEWS. Emmi is the largest producer of organic dairy products in Switzerland and is carrying forward its involvement in this segment abroad. Examples include the lactose-free organic dairy products from US firm Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery, the organic and Demeter-certified desserts of Italy-based Rachelli and – its biggest undertaking – Gl?serne Molkerei’s full product range.

Emmi began collaborating with Gl?serne Molkerei in 2012 after acquiring a minority stake in the company. It built on this in 2014 when it increased its holding from 24% to 76%, before taking over the company fully on 20. January 2016.

According to Urs Riedener, CEO of Emmi: "Natural, sustainably manufactured products are a major trend in the dairy business, which Emmi wants to take even better account of in the future. In Gl?serne Molkerei we have a very strong niche company that offers lots of potential for the future."

Premium range

Founded in 2001, Gl?serne Molkerei is a leading organic milk processor in Northeast Germany, with a premium range of milk, cheese and other dairy products. With a workforce of around 100 staff and two sites in M?nchehofe (Brandenburg) and Dechow (Mecklenburg-West Pomerania), the company generates sales of just under EUR 100 million. The approximately 120 million litres of milk it processes come largely from Northeast Germany, in particular Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Brandenburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Saxony and neighbouring Denmark.

Focus on quality with recognised standards

Gl?serne Molkerei’s range includes milk, butter, milk powder, cream, yogurt, quark and cheese. The M?nchehofe site focuses primarily on naturally matured organic cheese and organic milk, while organic milk, butter, cream and yogurt are produced in Dechow.

All of Gl?serne Molkerei’s milk suppliers belong to one of the following recognised environmental agricultural associations: Demeter, Bioland, Naturland, Biopark, G?a and Verbund ?koh?fe. Some farmers are also NOP-certified, meaning that in addition to the requirements of the agricultural associations and the EC organic regulations, they meet the even stricter requirements of the US National Organic Program (NOP) for the production of organic milk.

Hubert B?hmann, the founder of Gl?serne Molkerei, and his daughter Kirsten B?hmann will remain as managing directors until the end of April 2016 and will ensure a smooth transition with their valuable knowledge. Mr B?hmann’s successful career in the diary industry will then come to an end and he will fulfil a wish to devote more time to his private interests. Ms B?hmann will stay on after 30 April 2016 as a consultant. After dedicating themselves over many years to building one of Germany’s largest organic dairies, Mr and Ms B?hmann are handing over responsibility for the management of the firm to Klaus Frericks, who has been in charge of corporate operations since 1 October 2015. Gl?serne Molkerei will remain an independent presence in the market and continue to follow its successful strategy. Emmi would like to thank Mr and Ms B?hmann for their forward-looking direction.

The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

Founded in 2001, Gl?serne Molkerei is a leading organic milk processor in Northeast Germany. The company has sites in M?nchehofe (Gl?serne Molkerei GmbH) and Dechow (Gl?serne Meierei GmbH) and focuses on trustworthy organic products from the region. With a workforce of around 100 staff, the company generates sales of just under EUR 100 million. Gl?serne Molkerei sells its products primarily via German specialist organic retailers and selected retail chains. It also supplies processors in the organic foods segment.

Emmi is the largest Swiss milk processor and one of the most innovative premium dairies in Europe. In Switzerland, the company focuses on the development, production and marketing of a full range of dairy and fresh products as well as the production, ageing and trade of primarily Swiss cheeses. Outside Switzerland, Emmi concentrates on brand concepts and specialities in established European and North American markets, and increasingly in emerging markets outside of Europe. The primary focus in fresh products is on lifestyle, convenience and health products. In the cheese business, Emmi positions itself as the leading company worldwide for Swiss cheese. Emmi’s clients are the retail trade, the hospitality and food service sector and the food industry. In 2013, Emmi posted net sales of CHF?3,298 million and a net profit adjusted for one-time effects of CHF?98 million. It employed some 5,200 people (full-time equivalents) in Switzerland and abroad.