The Country’s Oldest Cheese Company Celebrates a Legacy of Handcrafted Tradition and Taste.
Marin French Cheese Co., the country’s oldest cheese company,
proudly celebrates 160 years of cheesemaking on its historic ranch in the heart of Northern California’s
picturesque Marin County. Founded in 1865 during the height of the Gold Rush, Marin French Cheese
Co. has grown from nourishing hungry pioneers to crafting award-winning cheeses that showcase the
legacy of the American West in the palm of your hand.
“For 160 years, Marin French Cheese Co. has been a place where tradition and innovation come
together—and our Petite Breakfast fresh Brie is a great example of that,” said Emma Hofer-Louis, CEO of
Marin French Cheese Co. “Ours is a uniquely American story. We started out feeding Gold Rush pioneers
in the 1800s and today, we’re making award-winning cheeses that are enjoyed across the country.
What’s never changed is our commitment to quality, creativity, and care—for the cheese, the land, and
the people behind it all. After more than a century and a half, we feel a deep sense of pride and
responsibility to carry this legacy forward, honoring the past while continuing to evolve.”
At the heart of the 160th anniversary celebration is Marin French Cheese Co.’s flagship cheese—Petite
Breakfast, a distinctive 4 oz. wheel that has endured the test of time. Unlike anything else on the market,
this little wheel carries a big story of American cheesemaking heritage. Originally crafted out of necessity
and creativity by founder Jefferson Thompson when the Gold Rush population boom caused a Bay Area
egg shortage, Petite Breakfast provided a hearty, protein-rich alternative for the morning meal. Today, as
consumer interest in fresh cheeses continues to rise — Marin French Cheese Co. is expanding its beloved
Breakfast Range with three exciting new offerings: Petite Breakfast Chive, Petite Breakfast Everything,
and Big Breakfast.
● Petite Breakfast Chive (4 oz., SRP $7.99): A small-format brie that skips the aging room for a
fresh, rindless experience. Chopped chives add vibrant, herbaceous flavor and a lingering savory
finish that perfectly complements the cheese’s creamy texture and culture-forward tang.
● Petite Breakfast Everything (4 oz., SRP $7.99): Inspired by a breakfast favorite, this small-format
fresh brie is loaded with Everything spice blend, delivering bold, savory notes and a satisfying
crunch that complements its tangy, creamy base—creating a versatile cheese perfect for any
time of day.
● Big Breakfast (8 oz., SRP $14.99): A larger format that delivers on consumer demand while
maintaining the beloved characteristics of the 4oz. original. Without the bloomy white rind and
with a fresher, firmer paste, it offers a tangy flavor and a smooth finish. It crumbles, melts, and
incorporates seamlessly into dishes that a traditional aged brie cannot.
Set on its historic 700-acre ranch, the Marin French Cheese Co. creamery continues to operate its
beloved cheese shop, where visitors can savor the full range of handcrafted cheeses, along with local
artisan foods, craft beers, and specialty wines. Commemorating the anniversary, a new sparkling wine,
1865, will be available exclusively for purchase in-store. The on-site café continues to delight with freshly
prepared sandwiches and salads that spotlight the handcrafted cheeses, with new seasonal specials
offered throughout the anniversary year. Guests can also take part in weekly tastings featuring local
partners, explore exclusive in-store bundles and gift baskets, and immerse themselves in the shop’s
updated museum display, which highlights the ranch’s storied history. Each visit offers a unique,
memorable experience, connecting food lovers to a cheesemaking tradition that has spanned
generations.
Marin French Cheese Co. has long been a pioneer in American cheesemaking, known for crafting
exceptional cheeses that consistently surprise and delight both enthusiasts and experts. Guided by a
steadfast commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and stewardship, the brand embodies the legacy and
pioneering spirit of the American West. Marin French Cheese Co.’s award-winning soft-ripened cheeses
are available at select grocers and specialty cheese shops nationwide, through the store locator on their
website, and via Northbay Creameries.
###
About Marin French Cheese Co.
Born in the West when it was still wild, Marin French Cheese Co. has been handcrafting cheese on their
historic ranch in Northern California since 1865. Celebrating 160 years in 2025, Marin French is the
country’s oldest cheese company, blending time-honored techniques with modern creativity and using
highest-quality California milk. From feeding hungry gold rushers to gracing today’s finest tables, Marin
French Cheese Co. produces award-winning, original cheeses that connect past and present with every
bite. For more information, visit MarinFrenchCheese.com or follow on Instagram @marinfrenchcheese
or Facebook @marinfrenchcheesecompany.
You can now read the most important #news on #eDairyNews #Whatsapp channels!!!
🇺🇸 eDairy News INGLÊS: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaKsjzGDTkJyIN6hcP1K
