Emmi Roth has completed the transfer of the Athenos business, expanding its range of specialty cheeses in the U.S. This follows the completion of the purchase of Athenos from the U.S. affiliate of Groupe Lactalis after the sale of the natural, specialty, and certain other cheese businesses from The Kraft Heinz Co. last week.
Emmi Group previously announced the acquisition agreement on September 2, 2021, paving the way for Wisconsin-based Emmi Roth to own the number one feta brand in the U.S.
"We're continuing to focus on the specialty cheese industry that we really care about," said Tim Omer, president and managing director at Emmi Roth, in a statement. "Adding Athenos to our family of brands is strengthening our product range and commitment to providing great cheese brands in the U.S.”
The Athenos brand complements Emmi Roth's extensive range of locally produced and imported specialty cheeses. The company also owns the Roth Cheese, Emmi USA, and Kindred Creamery specialty cheese brands.
Athenos will benefit from Emmi Roth's strong retail and foodservice connections, as well as its marketing expertise to reach new consumers through digital marketing and social media.
Related: American Cheddar Comes of Age; Boxed Acquires MaxDelivery, Expands into Grocery.