Leerdammer cheese

Overview

Leerdammer is a Dutch semi‑hard cheese brand created in the 1970s by cheesemakers Cees Boterkooper and Bastiaan Baars and named after the town of Leerdam in the Netherlands. (en.wikipedia.org)

Manufacturing & Production

The cheese is primarily produced in the Netherlands (notably Schoonrewoerd and a factory in Dalfsen) and is also produced in France; historically the brand has been produced by the Bel group’s Leerdammer facilities. Current manufacturing is therefore primarily Dutch but with production in France as well. (en.wikipedia.org)

Brand Ownership & History

Leerdammer was developed and launched commercially in the 1970s by the local cheesemakers; the Leerdammer name became a trademark associated with Bel Leerdammer B.V. In a strategic transaction completed recently, Groupe Bel sold the Leerdammer business and related rights (including Royal Bel Leerdammer NL and certain country businesses) to Lactalis Group. As a result, Lactalis is now the ultimate owner of the Leerdammer brand. (en.wikipedia.org)

Current Position

Under Lactalis ownership, Leerdammer is positioned as a widely distributed Dutch‑style branded cheese (marketed in some markets with the Président umbrella), with production continuing in the Netherlands and selected production in France to support international distribution. (leerdammer.us)

This summary reflects the brand’s origin, principal manufacturing locations, and the completed ownership transfer to Lactalis as reported by company sources and industry references.