history

The History of BelThe History of Bel

Bel has been growing globally for more than 140 years, much of this has taken place in the last five,years.

  • 1816: Port Salut® is invented by a group of Trappist monks in the Loire Valley.
  • 1865: Jules and Leon Bel start a company in Orgelet, France.
  • 1921: The Laughing Cow® is registered as a trademark.
  • 1929: Bel opens a UK subsidiary.
  • 1950: Bel acquires Port Salut®.
  • 1950: The first ads for The Laughing Cow® are created in France.
  • 1952: Babybel® is launched.
  • 1973: Bel acquires Crowson, which becomes Bel UK.
  • 1977: Mini Babybel® is launched.
  • 2001: Ad campaign for The Laughing Cow® voted the most popular in France.
  • 2002: Bel acquires the Dutch Leerdammer® group.
  • 2004: Bel launches The Laughing Cow® Extra Light in the UK.
  • 2005: Leerdammer® wins two Silver Awards at the World Cheese Awards.
  • 2006: Launch of The Laughing Cow® Squeeze.
  • 2007: Acquisition of Boursin
  • 2008: Launch of The Laughing Cow® Giggles. And Boursin advertise on TV for the first time in 10 years
  • 2009: UK launches Deli-Light from The Laughing Cow