Our history
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1865
BEL was founded in 1865 by Jules Bel, whose first factory for the production of aged cheeses was built in the French town of Orgelet. After his death, the family business was taken over by his son Leon, who after the First World War began producing processed cheese and founded the limited liability company Fromageries Bel.
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1921
In 1921, Leon Bel patented the La Vache qui rit® cheese (in English known as The Laughing Cow®), which was unique in its form, packaging, and groundbreaking television advertising. BEL’s expansion began in 1929 when the first production plants were built in the UK and Belgium. In addition to international expansion, the product portfolio grew to include Bonbel® and Babybel®.
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1957
In 1957, Leon Bel’s son-in-law, Robert Fievet, took over the management of the company, remaining as CEO of the company until 1996. Today, the company is managed by Antoine Fievet, Robert’s grandson, and the family tradition continues.
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1995
In 1995, BEL entered the Czech market. On 1 January 1995, the predecessor of BEL Sýry Česko was established as a joint-stock company, since 2005 with all shares owned by the parent company Fromageries Bel.
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1954
In 1954, the Michalovce dairy was founded.
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1972
In 1972, the Michalovce dairy moved to a new plant, the current premises. Start of Karička's production.
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1990
Karička rolls
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2000
In 2000, the Michalovce dairy became part of Bel.
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2007
Start of production of international brands.
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2009
In 2009, Mini Baby Bel production starts in Michalovce.
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2013
Karička receives the Slovak Superbrands Award 2013 - 2021.
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2020
Start of production of the TITAN and ZEN lines.
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2021
We enter the "plant-based" segment with the Nurishh brand also suitable for vegans.
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2021
1st place HEALTHY COMPANY OF THE YEAR - manufacturing companies.