LU Petits Beurre

LU Petits Beurre, formally known as the 'Véritable Petit Beurre,' is one of the most iconic French biscuits. It was created in 1886 by Louis Lefèvre-Utile in the city of Nantes. The name 'LU' itself is derived from the initials of the founders, Jean-Romain Lefèvre and his wife Pauline-Isabelle Utile. The biscuit's unique design—featuring 52 'teeth' (representing the weeks of the year), 4 'ears' (the seasons), and 24 'dots' (the hours of the day)—was intended as an allegory for time.

Historically, production was centered in the heart of Nantes, but today the main manufacturing site is located in La Haie-Fouassière, just south of the city. While France remains the primary production hub for the European market, the brand's global reach under its parent company means variations and local distribution may involve manufacturing sites in other regions.

Ownership of the LU brand has shifted through several major food conglomerates over the decades. Originally a family-owned business, it was acquired by Danone in 1986. In 2007, it was sold to Kraft Foods, and since the 2012 corporate split of Kraft, the brand has been under the ultimate ownership of Mondelēz International.