Emmi has entered into a merger with the prestigious cheese company Cowgirl Creamery Corporation and the associated Tomales Bay Foods, Inc., based in Petaluma , California, USA. This will enable Emmi to strengthen its position in the area of sustainably produced organic cow’s milk speciality cheeses. In addition, Emmi will benefit from the strong voice of the “Cowgirls” in the American artisan cheese community.
Emmi currently generates 44 % of its sales abroad: one-third through exports from Switzerland and two-thirds through products made locally by Emmi subsidiaries. International growth is a part of Emmi’s strategy and is achieved both organically and through further acquisitions. Of particular interest are companies in niche markets which operate in countries where Emmi is already active.
Premium, organic cow’s milk cheese from Marin County, California
Tomales Bay Foods, Inc. and the Cowgirl Creamery Corporation were founded in 1997 by Sue Conley and Peggy Smith in Point Reyes, California. Both women have many years of experience in famous Californian kitchens and learned the craft of cheese-making from scratch. Peggy and Sue have poured their passion for good, healthy food into supporting sustainable and organic farming in Marin County. They have also worked tirelessly to preserve agricultural land and to promote organic farming and traditional artisan cheesemaking. This enthusiasm is transferred to the many customers in their two Cowgirl Creamery retail locations at the San Francisco Ferry Building and in Point Reyes Station. They also operate a successful online store, which offers a selection of fine cheese from the United States, Great Britain and other European countries.
CEO Urs Riedener commented: “Tomales Bay Foods and Cowgirl Creamery are an excellent addition to our portfolio of sustainably produced premium speciality cheeses in the US. Together with Cypress Grove Chevre and Redwood Hill, the two companies will form a powerful network for extraordinary dairy products in California.”
The product portfolio of traditionally produced specialties includes soft, semi-hard and aged artisan cheeses. All products included in the range are organic, with the milk used for processing sourced exclusively from Marin and Sonoma counties in Northern California. Mt Tam – their most popular cheese – is named after Mount Tamalpais, the highest peak in the Marin Hills.
North America – Emmi’s most important international market
Emmi has extensive experience in North America and has continually increased its sales and earnings in its most important international market in recent years. Its network of North American subsidiaries and holdings includes: Emmi USA, Emmi Roth USA (partner since 2006, acquired in 2009), Cypress Grove Chevre (US, acquired in 2010), The Icelandic Milk and Skyr Corporation (US, 22 % holding since 2013), the cheese business of J.L. Freeman (Canada, acquired in 2015), and Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery (US, acquired in 2015).
High-quality product portfolio, shared ambition
Founders Sue Conley and Peggy Smith stated: “Cowgirl Creamery is an excellent match for Emmi. All of the companies in its strong network in North America produce premium products and aspire to achieve the same high standards of quality and sustainability. We look forward to making an important contribution to Emmi’s future growth in North America.”
In 2015, Tomales Bay Foods and Cowgirl Creamery generated combined annual sales of over USD 20 million and employed 95 people.
Emmi will take full control of Tomales Bay Foods, Inc. and the Cowgirl Creamery Corporation by the end of May 2016. Both companies will continue to operate as separate entities on the market. Sue Conley and Peggy Smith will remain at the company as Managing Directors, President and Vice-President. Emmi is delighted to be able to continue to rely on the vast experience and broad knowledge of both cheese experts. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.
Further information
Cowgirl Creamery website (cow’s milk products): www.cowgirlcreamery.com
Redwood Hill Farm website (goat’s milk products): www.redwoodhill.com
Green Valley Organics website (cow’s milk products): greenvalleylactosefree.com
Emmi website: group.emmi.com/en/
Cypress Grove Chevre website: www.cypressgrovechevre.com
Source: Emmi