What Mifroma does

Mifroma is a Swiss cheese affineur and specialty dairy company founded in 1964 in Ursy, canton of Fribourg, and operating today as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ElsaGroup SA within the Migros Group. The company sources cheeses from a network of 140+ Swiss cheesemakers and 30 dairy farms, then matures, brands, and distributes them under the Mifroma and Raccard labels. Its core differentiator is a natural sandstone cave in Ursy — more than 60 meters underground and 300+ meters deep, storing up to 100,000 Gruyère wheels — that provides constant 12–14°C temperature and 95–96% humidity generated by the rock itself, with no artificial climate regulation and 100% renewable energy on site. Twelve expert Maîtres Fromagers apply sensory quality control across the selection, maturation, distribution, and education stages.

Mifroma's portfolio centers on five AOP-protected cheeses (Le Gruyère AOP, Emmentaler AOP, Raclette AOP, Tête de Moine AOP, L'Etivaz AOP) and extends to roughly 19 named product lines and 900+ article variants, including fondue, Appenzeller, mountain cheese, Swiss Cheddar, Blumenkäse, sheep and goat cheeses, and premium individually-portioned 14-month Gruyère. Revenue is generated through wholesale cheese sales via retail partners in Switzerland (anchored by Migros) and through export distribution to 30+ countries, with international subsidiaries in France (since 1993, market leader for Swiss cheese in France by 1998) and the United States (since 2010). The company employs 240+ people and has executed two bolt-on acquisitions — Appenzeller Käserei Dörrig (2008) and Bergkäserei Bergsenn (2013) — to extend its Alpine specialty range. Marketing is conducted through a bilingual (English/German) recipe website, an Instagram presence under the 'Taste & Share' tagline, and the 'Cheeses from Switzerland' consortium mark.

Name

Mifroma

Legal name

ElsaGroup SA

Website

https://mifroma.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Mifroma is a Swiss cheese affineur and subsidiary of the Migros Group, founded in 1964 and based in Estavayer-le-Lac, Switzerland. It sources from 140+ cheesemakers, matures cheeses in a natural sandstone cave in Ursy, and distributes AOP Swiss cheeses such as Gruyère, Emmentaler, and Raclette across 30+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Premium Swiss Cheese and Dairy Specialties

NAICS

Cheese Manufacturing (311513), Dairy Product Manufacturing (3115)

SIC

Dairy Products (2020)

akta.pro primary industry

Cheese Aging/Affineur Services (Maturation & Cave-Aging) (AFAHABAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cheese Manufacturing (AFAKAKAB), Cheese (Natural & Processed) (CRADACAC), Ripened Natural Cheese Manufacturing (Semi-Soft, Hard & Blue) (AFAHABAB), Cheese Wholesale (AFAIAEAC)

Keywords

• Swiss cheese production
• AOP dairy aging
• Specialty cheese distribution
• Cheese affineur services
• Cave-aged cheese

Headquarters

HQ city

Stamford

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Swiss Premium Cheese Sales: Mifroma generates revenue from the sale of hand-selected, cave-aged, and organic Swiss AOP/PDO cheeses. Products include Le Gruyère AOP, Emmentaler AOP, Raclette AOP, Tête de Moine AOP, L'Etivaz AOP, Appenzeller, Fondue mixes, and specialty cheeses. Sales are made through retail partners, specialty food stores, and potentially direct channels internationally.
2. International Distribution: Mifroma distributes its cheese products internationally, with subsidiaries in France (established 1993) and direct US market operations (established 2010). Products reach consumers in over 30 countries through export of premium Swiss cheeses.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Mifroma is a Swiss cheese specialist and affineur that matures, brands, and distributes more than 900 premium cheese articles across 30+ countries. The company sources milk from 30 animal-friendly Swiss dairy farms and curds from 140+ cheesemakers, then ages cheeses in a natural sandstone cave in Ursy. Its core offering centers on AOP/PDO-certified cheeses (Le Gruyère AOP, Emmentaler AOP, Raclette AOP, Tête de Moine AOP, L'Etivaz AOP) and an extended portfolio of specialty Swiss cheeses, raclette, fondue mixes, and organic varieties.

Product overview

Mifroma is a Swiss cheese company founded in 1964, operating as a cheese specialist and affineur. The company offers a portfolio of over 19 distinct cheese products centered around Swiss AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) cheeses including Le Gruyère AOP, Emmentaler AOP, Raclette AOP, Tête de Moine AOP, and L'Etivaz AOP. The product range extends to specialty cheeses (Appenzeller, Fondue, Mountain Cheese, Swiss Cheddar, Bauernkäse, Blumenkäse, Le Poya, Mont-Soleil, Wiesen, Switzerland Swiss, Swiss Heart, Le Cavalier & Le Jura, and Sheep & Goat cheese). The company operates a unique sandstone cave maturation facility in Ursy for aging premium cheeses. As of 2020, Mifroma employs 240 workers, sells over 900 articles, and operates in over 30 countries worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Raccard: Market-leading raclette brand in Switzerland, launched in 1967 with innovative individual pan melting concept.

Products and services

• Le Gruyère AOP Premium Swiss cheese produced in the Gruyère region with AOP/PDO Protected Designation of Origin status. Available in Cave-Aged (minimum 11 months), Organic (minimum 5 months), d'Alpage (minimum 5 months), and Classic (minimum 5 months) variants.
• Emmentaler AOP Iconic Swiss cheese characterized by mild flavor and cherry-sized holes. Available as Cave-Aged (12 months), Organic (4 months), and Classic (4 months) variants. Each wheel approximately 1 meter in diameter with average weight of 95 kg.
• Raclette AOP PDO-protected cheese produced exclusively in the canton of Valais, featuring fresh tangy taste from unpasteurized milk. Matured for minimum three months on red spruce boards.
• Tête de Moine AOP Specialty cheese with 800-year history, traditionally shaved into rosettes with a Girolle or Pirouette device. Made from unpasteurized cow's milk from cattle grazing on Jura mountain pastures.
• L'Etivaz AOP First Swiss cheese to appear in the country's register of designations of origin. Made over an open fire in copper cauldrons during summer months from milk of cows grazing on mountain pastures between 1000 and 2000m altitude.
• Appenzeller Medium-hard tangy cheese from northeastern Switzerland, rubbed with aromatic herbal brine. Available in multiple labels: White, Silver, Gold, Black, and Organic variants, with maturation periods ranging from 3 to 6 months.
• Fondue Traditional Swiss fondue available as long shelf life ready-to-use fondues and fresh shredded cheese mixes. Features carefully selected gourmet cheeses in quality packaging.
• Mountain Cheese Sweet and creamy cheese ripened in foil, produced in square wheels from pasteurized milk. Designed to be affordable and ideal for sandwiches with a light, milky taste.
• Swiss Cheddar Traditional cheddar produced by a Swiss cheesemaker using best Swiss milk, combining typical cheddar taste with quality of Swiss traditional cheeses.
• Swiss Raclette Versatile slightly bitter and salty cheese perfect for cooking. Available in multiple varieties including Plain, Green Peppercorn, Smoked, Truffle, Cave-Aged, and Organic variants.
• Bauernkäse Strong character smooth semi-hard cheese representing authentic Swiss farmers, developed with a cheesemaker in a small village in the heart of Switzerland.
• Blumenkäse Artisanal cheese covered with dried marigold, blueberry and rose blossoms creating yellow, blue and red spots. Coated with mountain savory, herbs, mint and juniper berries, matured for six months.
• Le Poya Regional cheese with cream enrichment, ripened for several months in cool humid cellars. Earned 'Saveur de l'Année 2012' (Flavour of the Year) award from French consumers. Name references annual spring transhumance to Alpine pastures.
• Mont-Soleil Semi-soft cheese from Mont Soleil mountain where solar and wind power generate electricity. Made from milk of cows grazing on mountain pastures, matured for four months with pure aromatic and sometimes sweet flavor.
• Wiesen Premium wheel made with finest Swiss milk, produced by Master Cheesemaker Werner Roth in Neudorf near Lake Sempach. Factory started business in 1903, following traditional Swiss cheesemaking philosophy.
• Switzerland Swiss Family-friendly mild and creamy cheese from pasteurized semi-skimmed milk. Versatile for cooking, grating or as protein snack with pale ivory texture and semi-hard paste with small holes.
• Swiss Heart Exceptional quality cheese made by family-run business according to age-old recipe. Milk collected from farmers within 25 kilometers, wheels aged for four to five months.
• Le Cavalier & Le Jura Le Cavalier is a mild semi-soft cheese made from milk of cows grazing on pastures worked by Freiberger horses. Le Jura is an aged specialty with beefy savory smell, hints of peanut butter and buttered toast, maturing up to 8 months.
• Sheep & Goat Cheese Swiss Sheep cheese made from unpasteurized sheep's milk with premium quality. Swiss Goat cheese is a semi-hard artisanal cheese matured for five months, rich in calcium, zinc and important vitamins.
• Fondue Mix (First Mass-Market) First mass-market fondue mix ever launched, pioneering a new product category in Swiss cheese retail.
• Flavored Raclette (Raccard Brand) First flavored Raclette cheese on the market, sold under the Raccard brand.
• Premium Gruyère 14 Months (Individually Packaged) Premium Gruyère AOP aged minimum 14 months and individually packaged for retail sale.
• Sbrinz Cheese Croques Sbrinz Cheese Croques - convenience product based on Sbrinz cheese, pioneering the new category of cheese-based convenience products for Mifroma.

Quantifiable outcome

• Cheeses achieved a perfect score of 20 out of 20 from the Interprofession du Gruyère for over 4 consecutive years

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• Gohl DairycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Gohl dairy (founded in 1830, operated by the 5th generation of the family) is located in the heart of the Swiss countryside in the Gohlgraben valley and specializes in sheep's and goat's cheese production, as well as traditional Emmentaler PDO. The region's climate and lush Alpine pastures give the milk characteristic aromatic, tangy taste. Mifroma collaborates with Gohl for Swiss Sheep and Swiss Goat cheese products.
• Didier Bovet (Cheesemaker, Corcelles-le-Jorat)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMonsieur Didier Bovet produces Gruyère AOP cheeses exclusively for Mifroma. For more than 4 years, his cheeses have achieved a perfect score of 20 out of 20 from the Interprofession du Gruyère. He has been awarded the IPG gold medal and holds the title of best Gruyère producer in existence. His success is attributed to dedication, humility, and passion.
• Spielhofer Family (Le Cavalier & Le Jura)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Spielhofer family produces Le Cavalier and Le Jura cheeses for Mifroma. They source cow's milk from a farmer who uses only Freiberger horses (the last original Swiss horse breed) to work his fields, resulting in outstanding quality milk.
• Werner Roth (Wiesen Cheesemaker)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaster Cheesemaker Werner Roth produces Wiesen cheese in Neudorf, a village near Lake Sempach in central Switzerland. His cows are exclusively grass-fed, free-grazing in hilltop pastures. The cheese factory started business in 1903.
• Imlig Käserei Oberriet AG (Blumenkäse)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Imlig Käserei Oberriet AG cheese dairy is located in Oberriet in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley. It produces Blumenkäse ('blossoms cheese') using a traditional recipe for several generations, with Swiss milk, cultures, rennet, and salt.
• 140+ Swiss Cheesemakers NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMifroma works with over 140 trusted Swiss cheesemakers across Switzerland. The company has exclusive cooperation contracts with some of these cheesemakers, many lasting several years, ensuring that the entire production of certain cheeses is destined solely for Mifroma, guaranteeing very high quality standards.
• 30 Swiss Dairy FarmscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMifroma is committed to ensuring fair and equitable cooperation with its 30 animal-friendly dairy farm suppliers. Dairy farmers deliver fresh, unpasteurised milk within 24 hours, sourced within 12.5 miles (20 km) of cheese dairies to guarantee freshness and minimise transportation emissions. Cows are grass-fed with plenty of outdoor space.
• Cheeses from Switzerland (Consortium)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMifroma products feature the 'Cheeses from Switzerland' certification mark, a quality assurance consortium that promotes Swiss cheese internationally. Their Gruyère AOP products are produced under Interprofession du Gruyère oversight.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Emmi Group: Switzerland's largest dairy processor (CHF 4+ bn revenue) producing fresh dairy, cheese, and specialty dairy ingredients. Directly comparable to Mifroma as a Swiss dairy/cheese producer serving both retail and foodservice, though at much larger scale and broader portfolio beyond cheese affineur niche.
• Fromageries Bel: French multinational cheese company (Laughing Cow, Babybel, Kiri, Leerdammer, Mini Babybel). Comparable as a major branded cheese producer with international distribution across retail channels — Mifroma sits at a more premium, AOP-focused tier of the same broad market.
• Lactalis: World's largest dairy company (private, French-owned) with extensive cheese portfolio including Président, Galbani, and Parmalat brands. Peer in industrial-scale cheese manufacturing and global distribution; Mifroma competes at the premium/AOP specialty end of the same consumer category.
• Savencia Fromage & Dairy: French cheese and dairy specialty company operating worldwide (Saint Albray, Tartare, Caprice des Dieux). Comparable to Mifroma as a multinational cheese marketer; differs in product mix skewed to branded processed/soft cheeses vs. Mifroma's cave-aged AOP focus.
• Saputo Inc. Canadian dairy multinational with broad cheese portfolio (Français, Stella, Treasure Cave, Alexis de Portneuf). Direct peer in scale cheese manufacturing and North American retail distribution; overlaps on premium/specialty segments increasingly relevant to Mifroma's US ambitions.
• Arla Foods: Scandinavian dairy cooperative and one of the world's largest producers, with a substantial cheese portfolio (Castello, Lurpak-adjacent). Comparable as multinational dairy/cheese exporter serving European retail and foodservice where Mifroma also competes.

Direct peers

• Fromagerie de la Gruyère (Gruyère AOP cooperative): The original Gruyère AOP producer cooperative in the town of Gruyères, Switzerland — produces and matures Gruyère AOP under the same appellation rules Mifroma works with. Direct competitor in the premium Swiss cheese affineur space, supplying both domestic and export markets.
• Roth Cheese (Emmi Roth): US specialty Swiss-style cheese producer owned by Emmi. Direct competitor in marketing cave-aged and Alpine-style cheese to US specialty retailers, especially for raclette and Gruyère-style SKUs in food service and retail channels.
• Tillamook County Creamery Association: US farmer-owned dairy cooperative with strong premium cheese consumer brand, particularly on the US West Coast and in natural-foods retail. Comparable to Mifroma at the US premium cheese consumer positioning Mifroma is targeting in its US expansion since 2010.
• Alpina Foods (Savencia subsidiary): European cheese producer operating in Germany and Spain with branded Swiss-style and fondue cheeses. Direct competitor to Mifroma in raclette, fondue, and sliced cheese categories across European retail.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/mifroma
• Facebookfacebook.com/MifromaUSA

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mifroma