SWITZERLAND – Emmi is to take a majority stake in organic specialist Molkerei Biedermann.

It is the first big spend since the company launched on the Swiss sotck exchange in late 2004.

Emmi says that by buying in to Bischofszell-based Biedermann, it can increase its know-how in the area of organic produce, and improve efficiency and strengthen supply in eastern Switzerland.

Molkerei Biedermann will act as an independent company, but within the Emmi group. It will continue to produce organic products, small production run products and speciality products for retail and foodservice.

In 2004, Biedermann had a turnover of CHF50 million (