Fourme de Montbrison cheese

Fourme de Montbrison is a traditional blue cheese produced in the Loire and Puy-de-Dôme departments of France. It is a highly protected product with an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status, which was granted in 1972, and an Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP) status.

Because it is an AOP product, its production is strictly regulated to a specific geographical area and traditional methods. The name comes from the town of Montbrison, which was historically the hub for its trade. Unlike many industrial brands, Fourme de Montbrison is a regional specialty produced by various local dairies (fruitières) and farms that adhere to the strict production standards mandated by the French government and the EU.