Leerdammer Cheese

Leerdammer is an iconic Dutch semi-hard cheese renowned for its mild, nutty flavor and characteristic large holes. It was originally created in 1974 by Cees Boterkooper and Bastiaan Baars in the town of Schoonrewoerd, Netherlands. Their goal was to develop a unique variety that combined the creaminess of Gouda with the sweet, nutty profile and appearance of Swiss Emmental. This innovation led to the birth of the brand, which takes its name from the nearby city of Leerdam.

For decades, the brand was a cornerstone of the Groupe Bel portfolio. However, in 2021, a significant strategic transaction took place where Groupe Bel transferred the Leerdammer brand and its associated Dutch and European assets to the Lactalis Group. This move allowed Lactalis, the world's largest dairy company, to establish a major industrial presence in the Netherlands.

Today, Leerdammer continues to be produced primarily in its historic home of Schoonrewoerd and a second facility in Dalfsen, Netherlands. Some production also occurs in France to meet European demand. Under the ownership of Lactalis, the brand has expanded its global footprint, often marketed alongside or as part of the Président family of products in international markets like the United States.