The French Dairy Board (CNIEL) together with the European Union have launched a 3-year program to highlight EU cheese in Lebanon. Its first activities took place this September with exclusive events in Beirut.
On September 18th, Francois Robin – Awarded one of the Best Cheesemonger in France – was traveling to Beirut to host a cheese workshop for Beirut foodies. The event took place at Centrale restaurant and guests had the chance to participate in a sensorial cheese analysis and tasting as well as discovering innovative pairing of French cheese with traditional Levantine ingredients.
Speaking at the event, Francois 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 flavours such as lemongrass, coriander and ginger as they’re so far removed from European cuisine”
In 2017, Lebanon has imported more than 20.5 tons of European cheese among which 3.3 tons of French cheese. This number increased to 3.4 tons in 2018 which represent almost 17 million euros and an evolution of 6% compared to 2010. EU cheese are a guarantee of expertise, authenticity, quality and food safety but also taste and refinement. France is one of EU biggest dairy exporter with the equivalent of 40% of its milk, approximately 10 billion liters, being dedicated to overseas markets, for the cheese only 1.9 million ton is produced yearly and 36% exported.
EU have established the PDO label (protected designation of origin); to provide the guarantee that these products are made in their region of origin from milk produced within a defined geographical zone and according to a method handed down from one generation to the next. France is the European and world leader in dairy PDO products, among its 1200 cheese 45 received the PDO label.
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 they offer. Cheese can be consumed in so many ways: at
different times of the day but also paired with different ingredients so you can even have it for dessert if you like!”
For the first year of the program , a cocktail for professional was organized with an amazing cheese buffet prepared by MOF Francois Robin, and promotion activities are organized at a selection of Spinneys , Carrefour and Charcutier Aoun stores every week-end until mid-October.