Terre de fromages

What we do: Terre de fromages is the leading Belgian producer of Herve AOP, the only Belgian cheese with Protected Designation of Origin (AOP) status, recognized since 1996. Our core business is the artisanal and industrial production of a wide range of specialty cheeses, including soft cheeses with washed or bloomy rinds, blue cheeses, semi-hard cheeses, and lactic curds, available in formats from 100g to 15kg. We are deeply rooted in the Pays de Herve region, where cheese-making traditions date back to the 12th century. Our mission is to create exceptional quality cheeses by preserving artisanal traditions while integrating modern, sustainable practices. We source milk from local farms, including our own Marguerite Happy Cow cooperative, which emphasizes animal welfare and quality. Our products are distributed via specialist wholesalers to cheese shops, specialty stores, restaurants, and large retail outlets across Belgium, and we export about 10% of our production to the Netherlands, France, Germany, Sweden, Canada, and other countries.

Where we are located: Our headquarters is located at Rue de Charneux 32, 4650 Herve, Belgium, in the heart of the Pays de Herve, often referred to as the "little Belgian Normandy." This region is renowned for its rich dairy heritage and is the historical home of Herve cheese.

Short history: Terre de fromages has evolved over four decades from a Herve cheese refiner to the largest cheese dairy in Wallonia. The company’s roots trace back to local farming families in Charneux and la Minerie, who have been making and maturing Herve cheese for generations. In 1983, the current CEO’s father, along with his brothers, founded a family business that later took over Herve Société cheese makers in 1985. Through subsequent acquisitions and investments in modern production facilities, the company expanded its expertise and product range. In 2021, Herve Société changed its name to Terre de fromages to reflect its broader cheese-making heritage and ambitions. Today, we process the equivalent of milk from 25 local dairy farms each year, and our cheeses are enjoyed in one out of four Belgian households.

Organization & culture: Terre de fromages is a family-run company with a team of 33 dedicated employees. We foster a collaborative and respectful work environment where each team member plays a vital role in our pursuit of excellence. Our culture is built on authenticity, quality, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We value the transmission of savoir-faire from generation to generation and believe that every cheese tells a story. Our success is rooted in our ability to evolve while staying true to our artisanal roots.

Recent developments: We continue to innovate within the cheese industry, recently launching a new "piquant" (strong) variety of Herve AOP under the Val-Dieu Abbey label, alongside the traditional mild version. Both are available in 100g and 200g formats. Terre de fromages remains committed to sustainable, local milk sourcing through the Marguerite Happy Cow initiative, supporting small-scale agriculture and animal welfare. We are recognized as a Belgian reference for specialty cheeses and actively promote cheese culture through educational initiatives and local tourism.