If you’re a cheese enthusiast, you will have undoubtedly come across the French brand Président. The Lactalis Group produce a range of cheeses under the Président brand. In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into the world of Président Cheese, exploring its history, ownership and range of products.
SEE ALSO: The Cheese Scientist’s list of the most underrated commercial cheeses →
About Lactalis
Before we tell you about the different cheeses in the Président range, let’s have a quick look at their history.
Président Cheese is owned by Lactalis, a French multinational dairy products corporation. Lactalis is the world’s largest producer of dairy products, and it owns many other popular brands, including Galbani, Parmalat and Roquefort Société.
1933 – Humble beginnings
The Lactalis story begins in October 1933 when André Besnier embarks on his cheesemaking adventures. Based in Laval, he made his first cheese, Camembert, using 35 litres of local cow’s milk.
1950’s – Second generation
Over the next two decades, SARL Société Laitière de Laval A. Besnier & Cie experiences significant growth and they expand their operations. Eventually, André passes the reigns onto his son, Michel who sustains the company’s growth.
1968 – Conception of Président brand
Realising the commercial revolution taking place around him, Michel decides to launch their own brand. Hence was born Président. And, unsurprisingly, the first cheese they made under the brand was Camembert.
1981 – Production expands to the USA
Wanting to grow their business well beyond Europe, Michel Besnier decides to build a huge commercial cheesemaking facility in Wisconsin, USA. The project is so successful that a second factory soon follows in California.
Back in France, the company acquires a number of dairy business and expands its range to start making goat’s milk cheeses and Emmental.
1990’s – Mozzarella and Roquefort
The next decade sees the company continue its aggressive growth. After buying Locatelli and Société des Caves de Roquefort, they add Mozzarella and Roquefort to their range.
At the end of this decade, Michel decides to change the company name to Lactalis. The main reason was to have a brand name that was easy to pronounce around the world.
2006 – Third generation
The year 2000 sadly sees the passing of Michel Besnier. As a result, his son Emmanuel takes over the leadership of the company. And one of his earliest contributions is the acquisition of Italian cheese giant, Galbani.
2010’s – Largest dairy company in the world
Fast forward to the 2010’s and we find the most recent addition to the Lactalis and Président brand. After acquiring several Spanish dairy companies, Lactalis start to produce a Manchego under their Président brand.
The Italian giant Parmalat also joins the ranks of Lactalis adding 4 million euros to the company’s turnover. As a result, Lactalis become the largest dairy company in the world.
In 2014, Lactalis acquire the Australian company Harvey Fresh and begins local production of the Président range for the Australian and Asian market.
The Président range
As you can see, the Président range has certainly grown over the years. While Roquefort and Mozzarella are still sold under their original brands, some other traditional cheeses like Comté and Manchego have joined the Président branding.
Without further ado, let’s explore the different Président cheeses.
Président Camembert
Of course, we start with the cheese that André Besnier first made, Camembert. Crafted in the French tradition from cow’s milk, Président Camembert boasts a unique and approachable taste.
As it ages, the cheese is enriched by an earthy, mushroom flavour that intensifies with time, while its creamy texture remains consistent. Bold in taste and creamy in texture, this Camembert is perfect for anyone looking to explore new and exciting cheese flavours.
Président Brie
Brie, a soft cow’s milk cheese, has a rich history dating back centuries. It was once given as tribute to French Kings and eventually became known as “the cheese of Kings”. In fact, Louis XVI is said to have requested one last taste of Brie on his deathbed.
The love for Brie has hardly diminished since then, and Président offers a variety of this versatile cheese with its buttery and creamy taste. Their Brie range includes Brie Round, Triple Crème Brie, Brie Log and Coeur de Brie.
Président Le Blue
Crafted in the mountainous Auvergne region of France, this blue-veined cheese is made from pasteurised cow’s milk. Its firm texture and soft, mellow taste make it a versatile cheese that’s perfect for a simple cheese spread or to crumble on top of your favourite salad.
Président also have a Bleu d’Auvergne AOP in their range, but Le Blue offers a milder option for the blue-hesitant cheese lovers.
Rondelé Spreadable Cheese
Rondelé is a spreadable cheese that is made in the French tradition. It comes in a variety of flavours, including garlic and herbs, black pepper and cranberry. This creamy and indulgent cheese is perfect for spreading on crackers or bread, or for adding to recipes to give them a rich and creamy taste.
Made with high-quality ingredients and crafted with care, Rondelé Spreadable Cheese is a versatile and delicious addition to any cheese plate or recipe.
Comté Le Montarlier
Hailing from the Jura Mountains in the western French Alps, Comté cheese has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. At Président, we carefully mature our Comté in cellars for six months, which contributes to its distinct nutty flavour and hints of hazelnut.
This hard-pressed cheese boasts a semi-sweet finish and proudly carries an authentic AOP (Europe’s Protected Designation of Origin) status, which signifies its traditional methods of production and regional origin.
Président Feta
The craft of cheesemaking has been around for centuries, with references to Feta dating back to Homer’s Odyssey, written in the 8th century BC. While it may no longer be crafted in a Cyclops’ cave, the fresh saltiness of Feta still remains a distinct quality.
For any occasion, Président offers a variety of Feta options that always deliver a delicious, fresh taste with a crumbly yet creamy texture. Whether you sprinkle it on top of a salad or pizza, include it in a pasta sauce, or pair it with sweet fruit for an added layer of flavour, Président’s Feta is the perfect addition to any meal.
Read more about why Feta is so crumbly in our comprehensive post on cheese pH here.
Président Goat Cheese
Without a doubt, Poitou-Charentes is the most famous region in France for goat cheese. At Président, they craft their goat cheese in this region, creating a light and creamy cheese with a subtle tang that’s sure to delight your palate.
Rindless, bright, and highly versatile, Président Goat Cheese is the perfect addition to any dish. Whether you’re a die-hard goat cheese fan or a newcomer to the world of cheese, Président’s Goat Cheese is sure to impress.
Ever wondered why goat cheese tastes the way it does? We’ve got the answer here for you.
Président Manchego
Crafted in accordance with the time-honoured traditions of the Castilla-La Mancha region of Spain, Manchego is a semi-firm, aged cheese made from sheep’s milk. Its complex and warm flavour is highlighted by subtle herbal notes and hints of nuts.
Under the Président brand, you will find a range of Manchego cheeses that are perfect for any occasion. The range includes Don Bernardo Manchego Viejo, Manchego Iberico Curado, Manchego Curado and Manchego Semi-Curado.
You can read more about the origins, production and tasting profile for this iconic Spanish cheese here.
Président Butter
While not technically a cheese, we couldn’t do a list of Président products without including their signature butter. You can read more about the differences between butter and cheese in our post here.
Président Butter, France’s number one butter, is made from high-quality cultured creams in the north-western portion of the country, which is widely considered as the “Grand Cru” of European dairy regions. The region’s oceanic climate, rich soil, and lush grass produce butters that are distinctly rich and savoury.
With its superior quality and taste, Président Butter is perfect for a wide range of culinary creations. Whether you’re baking, cooking, or simply spreading it on toast, Président Butter is sure to elevate any dish to the next level.
Président Cheese FAQs
Let’s wrap up with some of your most frequently asked questions about Président Cheese.
Is Président cheese vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, some Président cheese products are suitable for vegetarians. Among the Président products that are vegetarian friendly, Président Butter contains three simple ingredients (pasteurised cream, cultures and salt), and the Président Brie and Camembert cheeses.
On the other hand, because it contains lipase from animal origin, Président Feta does not comply with the requirement of the vegetarian diet.
You can learn more about the different types of rennet used in cheesemaking here.
Are Président products kosher?
Most of the Président products are kosher but not all. To verify if a Président product is kosher, we recommend you look for the kosher symbol on the product label.
Are Président cheeses made in France?
While some of the current Président products are still made in France (e.g., Goat Cheese, Butter and Comté), there are a number of cheeses that are made outside of the Héxagone. Some examples are Camembert and Brie (made in USA and Australia) and Manchego (Spain).
Summary
Président Cheese is a French brand of cheese that was created in 1968 by André Besnier. The cheese is owned by Lactalis, a French multinational dairy products corporation. Président cheese produces a range of cheeses made from cow, goat and sheep milk.
Some of the most popular products in their range include Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Comté and Feta. If you’re a cheese lover, then Président is definitely worth trying.
What’s your favourite Président Cheese? Let us know in the comments below.
Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!
