Lactalis grows in US with deal for Ehrmann Commonwealth Dairy

Lactalis Group has acquired Ehrmann Commonwealth Dairy, the US yogurt business of Germany-based dairy company Ehrmann.

The deal, which marks Lactalis’s fourth acquisition in two years in the US, was completed on 5 July.

Established in 2009, Ehrmann Commonwealth Dairy has two manufacturing facilities – located in Brattleboro, Vermont, and Casa Grande, Arizona – and manufactures and distributes yogurt and other dairy products under the Green Mountain Creamery and Liebe brands. It also has a private label business.

“The Ehrmann acquisition is a terrific complement to our Stonyfield and Siggi’s brands in the US,” said Thierry Clement, CEO of Lactalis North America. 

“Ehrmann’s Vermont and Arizona plants are the ideal platform to develop our star brands, strengthen national distribution, and secure top-flight quality and service for our private label customers.” 

“The capability we gain with Ehrmann’s two plants, combined with the power of our leading brands, ensures the long-term growth of the Lactalis yogurt business in the US, and underlines our commitment and ambition in the category.”

With Commonwealth Dairy, Lactalis now has eight factories and more than 2,400 employees in the US, supporting brands such as Président, Galbani, Parmalat, Karoun, Rondelé and Black Diamond.

In 2017, Lactalis secured an $875 million deal to acquire the Stonyfield organic yogurt business from Danone.

And in early 2018, the firm also agreed to buy Siggi’s, the US brand of Icelandic-style skyr yogurts .