German dairy powerhouse Meggle has strategically acquired Rücker dairy, further solidifying its foothold in the competitive cheese market.
While financial terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed, it is pending regulatory approval.In a recent statement, Meggle emphasized that this acquisition will “strengthen its market position and further expand its cheese product segment.”
The Wasserburg am Inn-based company highlighted cheese’s “strategically important role” in its portfolio since acquiring Stegmann Emmentaler Käsereien from French cooperative Sodiaal in 2021.
Operating under the brand Meggle Cheese, the company produces Emmental cheese in Altusried, Bavaria, catering to both the Aggenstein brand and private labels.
Rücker dairy, with a workforce of 610 and projected revenues of €500 million ($583.5 million) for 2024, ranks among Germany’s largest privately-owned cheese producers.
This fourth-generation family business, founded in 1890, operates out of Aurich and Wismar and is currently led by Klaus Rücker.
Rücker processes approximately 700 million kilograms of milk annually, producing 90,000 tons of cheese, 20,000 tons of butter, and 20,000 tons of milk powder each year.
Matthias Oettel, CEO of Meggle Holding SE, stated: “With Rücker, we are gaining a healthy company that not only has an impressive history but also brings extensive expertise and innovative strength in cheese and dairy processing.”
He continued, “Together, we will pool our competencies, make investments, and lay the foundation for further growth.”
Klaus Rücker expressed, “With Meggle, we have found a partner that, as a long-standing family business, shares similar values and where strategy and product portfolios complement each other well. We are confident that our company will find a good home here.”
The Rücker brand portfolio features its namesake Rücker, renowned for northern German cheeses like Alter Schwede, Alt-Mecklenburger, and Friesischer Hirtenkäse. Additional brands include oba and Waterkant for white cheeses, along with Vega Lecker for plant-based options.
With operations spanning Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the US, Meggle generated approximately €1.4 billion in revenues in 2024.
In addition to consumer goods such as dairy, plant-based, and baked products, the company also services industrial clients in the pharmaceutical and ingredients sectors.
