With competition tightening in the specialty cheese sector, Emmi Roth, in partnership with Emmi Group, has completed a monumental acquisition. Purchasing a portfolio company of the Lactalis Group, Emmi Roth welcomes well-known feta cheese maker Athenos to its product umbrella. This acquisition complements Emmi Roth’s unique lineup of locally produced and imported specialty cheeses.
“This is an exciting day for Emmi Roth,” said Tim Omer, President and Managing Director at Emmi Roth. “We’re continuing to focus on the specialty cheese industry that we really care about. We take pride in providing the best specialty cheeses to our customers and consumers, and adding Athenos to our family will strengthen our product range and allow us to offer another great line of products.”
According to a press release, Athenos generated net sales of almost $90 million in 2020, as the feta cheese category has benefited from recent changes in consumer consumption habits. Volume sales in the feta category are reportedly up 22 percent versus last year, according to IRI data. Emmi Roth’s strong retail and foodservice connections, as well as its marketing expertise to reach new consumers through digital marketing and social media, will elevate Athenos brand visibility on and off the shelf.
“With the addition of this business, we are investing in our company’s long-term future, our business, people, and resources,” said Omer.
How will this strategic acquisition position Emmi Roth to take over a larger slice of the market? Stay tuned as Deli Market News reports.
