This year’s second edition of our French cheese campaign “Europe Full of Character” brought together key professionals and cheese enthusiasts in a series of engaging events showcasing the finest European cheeses in Singapore.
Unlike last year’s sensory-focused event, this year we focused on Spice Eat Up! theme through a trade event, a press event and culinary workshops for students offering a unique perspective on French cheese production and culinary artistry with a spicy twist!
The Trade Event on September 10th Showcased French Cheeses to Industry Leaders and was held at Saveur Bistro, the trade event attracted 45 key participants from the B2B sector, including chefs, importers, and retailers. These professionals were introduced to the world of French cheeses, with a special emphasis on their role in creative culinary applications. François Robin, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, led the event by highlighting the key assets of French cheeses, from traditional production methods to their versatility in pairing with local spices, helping the audience understand the importance of integrating French cheeses into their menus and product portfolios.
Art & Cheese: A Perfect Pairing of Taste and Creativity.
A Celebration of Art and Cheese gathered over 40 food influencers and media representatives, offering them a unique experience of French cheeses like never before.
The event featured a stunning buffet, arranged as an artistic masterpiece, where French cheeses were creatively paired with local ingredients such as chili peanuts and tamarind paste. The highlight of the event was an ‘Art Gourmet Workshop’ led by renowned cheesemonger François Robin. Attendees received one-on-one guidance on cheese-cutting techniques with cheeses like Brie, Emmental, and Comté, and had the opportunity to create their own ‘cheese art canvas’ to take home. Adding to the sensory delight, a musical cheese-tasting workshop showcased how music can enhance the perception of flavors, creating a fully immersive experience. Our guests thoroughly enjoyed this unforgettable and delicious celebration.
Last but not least of this Cheesy week, Chef Francois Robin trained the Next Generation of Chefs. We partnered with leading culinary schools, SHATEC and At-Sunrice, to conduct workshops for future chefs. François Robin educated students on the uniqueness of European cheeses and how to creatively incorporate them into local dishes. The hands-on sessions allowed students to prepare Comté cheese gougères with their own choice of local herbs and spices, helping them appreciate the versatility and richness of French cheeses in their daily cuisine, to dare to twist French cheese with classics from our south east Asian cuisine.
Learning About French Cheese Production
At each event, participants were introduced to the artisanal methods behind French cheese production, emphasizing the importance of terroir and traditional recipes that give these cheeses their unique flavor profiles. With nearly 1,900 varieties, French cheeses represent the heart of French agricultural heritage. From cow’s milk cheeses like Brie and Camembert to hard cheeses like Comté and Mimolette, the diversity of textures and flavors showcases centuries of savoir-faire passed down through generations.
This year’s events not only celebrated the culinary excellence of French cheeses but also educated attendees on how these cheeses can be integrated into local dishes, expanding the horizon for culinary professionals in Singapore.
What’s your favorite French cheese and how would you pair it with local flavors?
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To discover these fusion flavors and learn more about how these cuisines can dance together on your plate, visit our Instagram page: cheesycharacters_sg
About CNIEL
CNIEL (Centre National Interprofessionnel de l’Economie Laitière) stands as a vital entity within the French dairy industry, committed to championing the interests of professionals in the field. Their mission revolves around the promotion, research, and innovation of the dairy sector, with a strategic focus on enhancing economic, technical, and social aspects. Through active promotion campaigns, research initiatives, market exploration, and educational programs, CNIEL strives to elevate the French dairy industry. Their vision encompasses a thriving and sustainable sector, celebrated for its quality, innovation, and contribution to a balanced and healthy diet.
