Shaping the Future of Cheese
Interview with Thorsten Persdorf, Managing Director
Few foods are as versatile and beloved as cheese. From a hearty breakfast staple to a refined ingredient in gourmet cuisine – and now even as a plant-based alternative for the health-conscious – cheese continues to capture the hearts and palates of consumers around the world. But behind the familiar flavour lies a world of craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and an acute awareness of global food trends. One company leading the way in this evolving landscape is Germany’s JERMI Käsewerk GmbH. With a legacy spanning more than 135 years, JERMI Käsewerk GmbH has evolved from a traditional artisanal dairy into a leading innovator in cheese refinement. Headquartered in Laupheim-Baustetten, Germany, the company is now one of Europe’s foremost producers of processed cheese specialties.
European Business: Mr. Persdorf, you’ve been with JERMI Käsewerk for almost a year now. What brought you to the company?
Thorsten Persdorf: After many years in the dairy and food industry, I was looking for a new challenge – one that would allow me to shape a company’s development more directly. JERMI offered that opportunity. Previously, I worked in various roles related to yogurt and dessert products, but joining JERMI completed the picture for me. Cheese is not just a product here – it’s a passion and a craft. What excites me is the dynamic pace of the industry and the chance to innovate in a company that combines heritage with forward-thinking.
European Business: JERMI looks back on a long company history. How has it managed to stay relevant for more than a century?
Thorsten Persdorf: JERMI began as a traditional family-run cheesemaking business. Over the decades, it has grown steadily and strategically, specializing in processed cheese products. Today, we’re one of the leading providers of processed cheese in Europe. Key milestones included the continuous investment in our production facilities and the development of a robust export business. These efforts have turned JERMI into an internationally active company with a modern approach, without losing touch with our roots.
European Business: What makes JERMI stand out from its competitors?
Thorsten Persdorf: Our strengths lie in quality, reliability, and innovation. But what truly sets us apart is the combination of traditional cheesemaking expertise and advanced refinement technology. We can deliver tailored solutions for both B2C and B2B customers and respond with great flexibility and speed – qualities often attributed to family-run businesses. That agility is one of our core competitive advantages.
European Business: Let’s talk about your product range. What are JERMI’s main areas of expertise?
Thorsten Persdorf: Our core competency lies in high-quality processed and fresh cheese specialties. Every year, we produce around 11,000 t of processed cheese and handle another 34,000 t in slicing and packaging operations. Our processed cheese slices, loafs and links are top-sellers – especially in the Asian market. One of our most beloved creations is a walnut-flavoured processed cheese gateau, popular both in Germany and abroad.
In addition to these staples, we are investing heavily in plant-based cheese alternatives. Our R&D teams are making great progress, and we’re improving daily in taste and texture. Our goal is to offer products that are indistinguishable from traditional dairy-based cheese.
European Business: Will these innovations be showcased at this year’s Anuga food trade fair?
Thorsten Persdorf: Absolutely. At Anuga, we’ll be presenting our new plant-based alternatives and convenient cheese snacks – two segments that continue to gain traction. There’s also growing interest in grillable cheese products, and we’re actively developing new offerings in that area, too. We aim to meet modern consumer demands for healthier, more sustainable, and time-saving foods.
European Business: What does innovation look like behind the scenes at JERMI?
Thorsten Persdorf: In processed cheese, creativity is essential. Our cheese creations are often complex blends of young and aged varieties, enhanced with ingredients like cream cheese, butter, or nuts. Innovation doesn’t stop at product development, though. We’re also investing in digitalization and automation. In our slicing and packaging departments, for example, we’ve implemented highly automated systems to increase efficiency and reduce our reliance on manual labour – especially important in light of the skilled labour shortage.
European Business: Looking ahead, what are your main goals for JERMI’s future?
Thorsten Persdorf: We want to further strengthen our position as an innovator in processed cheese refinement and expand our international presence. At the same time, we’re committed to enhancing our offerings in sustainable and plant-based cheese segments. Another important goal is to continue attracting and retaining talent in our region. Even as we expand globally, we want to remain a company that people are proud to work for locally.
Our employees are our greatest asset. They are not only the heart but also the driving force behind our innovations. With their experience, technical know-how, and team spirit, we can meet today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities. Together, we’re building a future for JERMI where tradition and innovation go hand in hand.