Emmi Group, Switzerland, announced plans to sell its 24% stake in Italian fresh cheese specialist Venchiaredo S.p.A., Italy. In doing so, Emmi is focusing its activities in Italy on the dessert business, cheese exports from Switzerland and its 25% stake in cheese trader Ambrosi S.p.A., also based in Italy.

Emmi has been a minority stakeholder in Venchiaredo S.p.A. since January 2010. At the same time, Emmi Italy took over sales of Venchiaredo products. In 2012, Emmi increased its stake from 10% to 24%.

The aim of this holding was to participate in Italy’s growing fresh cheese market and generate synergies associated with fresh products from Trentinalatte. Due to the sale of Italian company Trentinalatte in Fall 2014, Emmi will dispose of its stake in Venchiaredo and give up the sale of Venchiaredo products. Granarolo S.p.A., based in Bologna, Italy, will take over the sale of Venchiaredo products.

Venchiaredo produces mozzarella, stracchino, mascarpone and ricotta cheeses and butter.