The French Dairy Board (CNIEL), together with the European Union launched a 3-year program to highlight EU cheese in Lebanon. Its first event took place this September at Beirut’s famed bar-restaurant Centrale. The staging of the event came as no surprise considering that Lebanon is a regular importer of French cheese.

Francois Robin, one of France’s Best Cheesemonger awardees, visited Beirut to host the cheese workshop for local foodies. Attendees participated in a sensorial cheese analysis and tasting as well as the discovery of innovative pairing of French cheese with traditional Levantine ingredients.

Speaking at the event, Robin said, “European cheese is adaptable and can be paired with all types of local ingredients. I have tried it with spices in India as well as in the UAE. Something like pomegranate molasses works well with Comté as it brings acidity and fruity touches. I’d also like to experiment with Asian flavors such as lemongrass, coriander and ginger as they’re so far removed from European cuisine.”

In 2017, Lebanon imported more than 20.5 tons of European cheese of which 3.3 tons were French. This number increased to 3.4 tons in 2018 representing almost 17 million euros and an increase of 6% compared to 2010. France is one of the EU’s biggest dairy exporters with the equivalent of 40% of its milk, approximately 10 billion liters, reserved to overseas markets.

To guarantee that the products’ come from the region of origin and made from milk produced within a defined geographical zone, the EU established the PDO label system (Protected Designation of Origin).

Marie-Laure Martin, French Dairy Board representative said, “Lebanon is an important market for EU and French cheese. With the program Cheese of Europe – Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow we not only aim to highlight the variety of quality cheeses available in Lebanon, but also to show people the endless opportunities these offer. Cheese can be consumed in so many ways, not only at different times of the day, but also paired with different ingredients. You can even have it for dessert if you like!”

To celebrate the program’s launch in Beirut, a cocktail for professionals was organized with an amazing cheese buffet prepared by MOF Francois Robin. Concurrently, weekly promotional activities were organized at a selection of Spinneys, Carrefour and Charcutier Aoun, which will run until mid-October.

cheesesofeurope.com