Swiss dairy leader Emmi Group has recently completed the acquisition of Hochstrasser, a prominent domestic coffee roaster based in Lucerne, Switzerland. The transaction, whose financial terms remain undisclosed, solidifies a longstanding partnership between the two entities, with Hochstrasser having served as a key roasting collaborator for Emmi Group over the past two decades.
Despite the acquisition, Emmi Group has emphasized that Hochstrasser will retain its operational independence. René Vesti and Gery Camenzind, current board members, along with managing director Kevin Heer, will continue in their respective roles within the company. Hochstrasser, known for its high-quality coffee products and comprehensive service offerings including coffee machines, employs approximately 50 staff members.
Marc Heim, Executive Vice President of Emmi Group, highlighted the strategic significance of the acquisition, stating, “With the addition of Hochstrasser to our portfolio, we are enhancing our coffee expertise to further bolster our iconic Emmi Caffè Latte brand. This union brings together formidable capabilities in producing premium coffee of the highest quality, freshly roasted in Lucerne, paired with the finest Swiss milk.”
Established in 1852, Hochstrasser specializes in the roasting and packaging of coffee products, predominantly catering to the Swiss market. The company reported net sales of approximately SFr17 million ($18.9 million) in the fiscal year 2023.
The acquisition underscores Emmi Group’s commitment to expanding its presence in the coffee sector, leveraging Hochstrasser’s esteemed reputation and local expertise to strengthen its market position in premium coffee offerings.