La Fromagerie expands cheese presence in Tanzania

TANZANIA – La Fromagerie, a Rwandan artisanal cheese producer, has announced the expansion of its African presence to include the vibrant archipelago of Zanzibar.

This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the brand’s international availability, bringing its curated selection of world-class cheeses to East Africa’s premier hospitality and culinary market and putting Rwanda in the spotlight for high-quality cheese making in Africa.

This new distribution network was made possible through the strategic focus and support for export from the Rwanda Development Board combined with new cargo options by national carrier Rwandair.

The initial rollout features a curated portfolio of the company’s signature hard, soft, and semi-soft cheeses, tailored specifically to complement the tropical climate and diverse culinary offerings of the island.

Known for its strict dedication to producing European-style premium cheeses, La Fromagerie’s entry into Zanzibar aims to supply the region’s booming luxury resort, hospitality, and fine-dining sectors.

The expansion builds upon the brand’s existing export network across the African continent, meeting a rising regional demand for premium, high-quality artisanal dairy products.

“We are thrilled to add Zanzibar to our growing network of African export markets,” said Micheline Thienpont, CEO of La Fromagerie.

“Zanzibar’s culinary scene is evolving rapidly, driven by world-class tourism and a growing appreciation for gourmet experiences. We look forward to partnering with local hospitality leaders to introduce our uniquely matured cheeses to discerning travelers and residents alike.”

After Kampala, Goma, Bukavu and Zanzibar, La Fromagerie is now contemplating new African markets to satisfy gourmets’ tastebuds in cities such as Lagos, Douala, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Bangui and Brazzaville.

The company was recognised as the Company of the Year – Emerging Dairy Company at the Africa Dairy Industry Awards 2026, held on 17th April 2026 alongside the Africa Dairy Innovation Summit.

The award highlights the company’s rapid growth and its pioneering role in developing Rwanda’s artisanal cheese industry.

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Kigali, La Fromagerie Rwanda is a privately owned dairy enterprise specialising in high-quality, locally produced cheeses.

The company was established with a clear mission: to demonstrate that Rwanda has the capacity to produce premium, world-class dairy products using local resources and expertise.

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