AGROPUR AND BEL LAUNCH NEW BOURSIN LINE

LONGUEUIL, QC, Dec. 13 /CNW Telbec/ - Agropur's Fine Cheese Division is proud to announce the launch of the new Boursin® production line at its Saint-Hyacinthe cheese plant starting in January 2011, as part of a subcontract. Boursin® is owned by the French group Bel, which has transferred the production of this formerly imported cheese to Canada to optimize its potential.

The transfer of Boursin® production to Canada required the expansion of the Saint-Hyacinthe plant; this multi-million dollar investment, shared between the two companies, will lead to the creation of a dozen jobs.

Agropur and Bel have been business partners for over 20 years in Canada. Bel's other international brands, The Laughing Cow and Mini Babybel, have experienced strong growth in this country thanks to the partnership between the two groups.

"Its original manufacturing process preserves the characteristics and freshness of the ingredients, and gives Boursin® the irresistible texture and taste that Canadians love so much," noted Catherine Thomas, President of Bel Cheese Canada Inc.

"The Division's manufacturing expertise, and its national marketing and distribution network, together with Bel's skilled marketing of the Boursin® brand is a winning combination. This partnership will help increase Boursin's availability and sales, and meet market needs more efficiently," added Robert Gour, President of Agropur's Fine Cheese Division.

About Agropur
Founded in 1938, Agropur cooperative is a Canadian dairy industry leader, with $3.4 billion in sales. It has 3,459 members and 5,400 employees at 26 plants, and numerous distribution centres and offices in Canada, the U.S. and Argentina. It processes close to 3.2 billion litres of milk and offers an impressive array of products, including such popular brands as OKA, Champfleury, Sealtest, Island Farms, Québon, Natrel, Schroeder and Yoplait.
www.agropur.com

About Fromageries Bel S.A and Bel Cheese Canada
Founded in 1865, this French cheese group is a world leader in branded cheeses. Its portfolio of differentiated and internationally recognized brands, including such products as The Laughing Cow, Kiri, Mini Babybel, Leerdammer and Boursin, as well as some 20 local brands, enabled the group to generate sales of €2.2 billion in 2009. Nearly 11,500 employees contribute to the Group's success. Its products are prepared at 25 production sites and distributed in over 120 countries. The Bel Cheese Canada Inc. affiliate was founded in 2005 to revitalize the group's activities in Canada.
www.groupe-bel.com

For further information:

Source:

Julie Boursiquot   Communications Manager, Agropur  450-646-1010, ext. 4563

Caroline Carrère Public Relations Manager, Bel Cheese Canada 514-844-7844, ext. 114