Boursin’s story began in 1957, in a small Normandy village, located in France, when cheese maker François Boursin set up a factory producing soft cheese. At that time, he had no idea his name would become internationally famous.
In 1961, a French newspaper wrongly reported the launch of Boursin with garlic, an innovation that was in fact being introduced by a competing cheese brand. Following this free publicity, it didn’t take much to send our entrepreneur in the development of a new spreadable recipe. François Boursin spent two years perfecting his original recipe, blending garlic with fresh cream and soft cheese seasoned with fresh herbs, salt and pepper, in the local Normandy tradition.
Boursin Garlic & Herbs was launched in 1963 and quickly became a household name across France. Its unique texture and taste revolutionized the fresh cheese market, especially after being the first cheese brand to be the subject of a television campaign in 1968.
It featured famous French comedian Jacques Duby cast in the role of the first “Boursinophile,” a cheese lover unable to resist the alluring taste of Boursin whatever time of day or night. Waking in the middle of the night, he rushes to the fridge in his pyjamas shrieking for Boursin 18 times during the commercial.
More than 50 years later, the original recipe remains unchanged and food lovers in more than 35 countries have spread their passion for Boursin all around the world. Perfect on bread, as appetizers or in a creamy sauce for main or side dishes, Boursin is in every gourmet’s kitchen. Today, the brand offers many products, including the seven flavours of Boursin Cheese sold in Canada:
Garlic & Fine Herbs, Shallot & Chive, Bouquet of Basil & Chive, Cranberry & Pepper, Cracked Black Pepper, Fig & Balsamic, Apple & Maple.
In Croisy-sur-Eure, Normandy, François Boursin launches the Boursin cheese dairy, unaware that his name would become famous across the world…
A publishing error inspires Boursin with one of its most famous recipes! A major newspaper inadvertently announces the launch of a Boursin cheese with garlic. In fact, it is a new product being launched by a competing brand! The distribution network is bombarded by requests for a Boursin with garlic that does not exist…
After two years of work to find the perfect recipe, François Boursin officially launches Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs made with fresh cheese, garlic and fine herbs. A balanced mix of delicate flavours creates a unique recipe inspired by Norman country tradition! His secret? A low-temperature production process that preserves all the flavour and quality of the ingredients. Boursin quickly becomes the must-have product for cheese platters. It transforms the fresh cheese-spread market thanks to its unique flavour, texture and revolutionary aluminum foil wrapper, the latter of which remains one of the hallmarks of the brand and maximizes the cheese’s shelf life..
Boursin launches its flavour with the strongest character, and now one of the classics of the brand: Boursin Pepper.
On October 1, 1968, at precisely 7:55 p.m., Boursin makes French television history by becoming the first brand to be featured in an ad campaign just before the eight o’clock news. It was a genuine revolution at the time and the audience reception was fantastic. France already has six million black-and-white TV sets across the country, and François Boursin anticipates the benefits of a television appearance. Viewers see a well-known actor cast as an insomniac tormented by an irresistible craving for Boursin. He gets out of bed in his pyjamas and rushes to the refrigerator chanting “Du Boursin” eighteen times during the commercial. This first “Boursinophile” spawned many imitators.
Another advertising success contributes to the growing success of Boursin. The famous slogan “Bread, wine, Boursin” is a stroke of genius that captures the spirit of several generations of spectators. This slogan is still remembered today.
The multinational corporation Unilever acquires the Boursin brand.
Our range of products is renewed with the launch of the cooking aid Boursin Cuisine: a ready-to-use gourmet quality blend made with fresh cream and fine herbs, to add a touch of flavour to any dish. Our cheese is no longer eaten only as a spread or in bites, it invites itself into your sauces and stews.
Boursin joins the Bel Group, based in Canada since 1957.
Boursin cheeses are now produced locally in Quebec, in partnership with Agropur, from locally produced milk in Canada. It was also the launch year of two new flavours: Boursin Cranberry & Pepper, which combines the tangy sweetness of berries with the spiciness of pepper, and Boursin Shallot & Chive, for spreads that are both subtle and spicy.
Launch of the Boursin Cuisine flavour Tomato and Mediterranean Herbs.
Launch of the Boursin Cheese with Goat Cheese & Rosemary.
Launch of the Boursin Cheese flavour Red Chili Pepper.
Launch of the « guests » commercial
Today, Boursin continues to seduce cheese lovers around the globe. It operates under the same name in more than 35 countries on five continents.
Launch of the « robber » commercial
A new product has been added to our range of Boursin cheeses: the Bouquet of Basil and Chive flavour. This recipe combines the delicate taste of basil with the marked flavour of chives: an explosion of spring aromas on your taste buds!
Launch of the « Swing » commercial
This year marks the launch of the new Apple & Maple flavour which brings a touch of sweetness to our range of Boursin cheese, thanks to its sweet and savoury recipe. Boursin also markets a limited edition Gourmet Trio.
Among our new flavours, we welcome the new Boursin Fig & Balsamic. This formula combines the sweetness of figs with the liveliness of balsamic vinegar to bring the Mediterranean flavours to your plate.
Two new products join our ranks! Boursin Minis revolutionize appetizers thanks to their practical small bites format. It also marks the arrival of Dairy-Free Boursin, an alternative that has nothing to envy compared to the original recipe.
Boursin launches a gourmet and elegant flavour, in a limited edition: Boursin Truffle Salt & Hint of Black Pepper.
Our Boursin Cuisine products are now locally produced in Quebec! These creamy, ready-to-serve cheeses can be integrated into your main or side dishes for incredibly tasty moments. Today, Boursin continues to seduce cheese lovers all over the world. Our crumbly textured cheese and inimitable taste are present under the same name in more than 35 countries, and on 5 continents.