Emmi Roth, Fitchburg, Wis., said it completed the transfer of the Athenos business from the U.S. affiliate of Laval, France-based Groupe Lactalis, expanding its range of specialty cheeses in the United States. The announcement follows the completion of the Kraft Heinz Co.’s sale of its natural, specialty and certain other cheese businesses to the U.S. affiliate of Groupe Lactalis on Nov. 29, 2021.

Emmi Roth said the Athenos brand complements Emmi Roth’s extensive range of high-quality locally produced and imported specialty cheeses in the United States and strengthens the company's long-standing dedication to the specialty cheese industry. Emmi Roth also owns the Roth Cheese, Emmi USA and Kindred Creamery specialty cheese brands.

“We’re continuing to focus on the specialty cheese industry that we really care about,” said Tim Omer, president and managing director of Emmi Roth. “We take pride in providing the best specialty cheeses to our customers and consumers, and adding Athenos to our family of brands is strengthening our product range and commitment to providing great cheese brands in the U.S.”

Athenos will benefit from Emmi Roth’s strong retail and foodservice connections, the company said, as well as its marketing expertise to reach new consumers through digital marketing and social media, an area that the Athenos business has a great opportunity for even further growth.

“With the addition of the Athenos brand, we are investing in our company’s long-term future, our business, people and resources,” said Omer.