What is Fromage Mauerhofer?
Fromage Mauerhofer is all about tradition, craftsmanship, and a deep love for cheese. Nestled in the heart of Emmental, this project revolves around handcrafted cheeses matured in a sandstone cellar that’s over 200 years old. It’s not just cheese; it’s a journey back to how cheese was made “chäs wie früecher” — just like in the old days. The team works closely with village dairies and top Swiss cheesemakers to keep the authentic village dairy structures alive, producing exclusive specialties that honor time-tested methods while embracing innovation.
Main Benefits of Fromage Mauerhofer
What sets Fromage Mauerhofer apart? Here’s the promise behind every bite:
- Animal-friendly husbandry with regular outdoor access — happy cows, goats, sheep, and buffaloes.
- Feeding on natural grass and hay only — no shortcuts here.
- Fresh raw milk delivered daily from farms within a 10km radius — freshness you can taste.
- Collaboration with Swiss top cheesemakers — expertise at its finest.
- Traditional small village and farm dairy production — preserving heritage.
- Handcrafted and refined in the historic Mauerhofer sandstone cellar — matured to perfection.
The Unique Cheese Collection
The collection is a cheese lover’s dream. From delicate Gelée d’Absinthe and Gelée de Romarin to rich Trüffel Brie and the classic Brie d’Imier, there’s something for every palate. Each cheese is a story — whether it’s the creamy Fleur de Montagne or the robust Malbec, all crafted with passion and matured carefully. Plus, the range keeps growing, always natural, flavorful, and premium quality. And if you’re looking for the perfect cheese companion, their Käsebegleiter jams and jellies add that extra zing.
More Than Just Cheese: Events and Experiences
Fromage Mauerhofer isn’t just about selling cheese — it’s about sharing the experience. The Raclette Mobile brings cozy vibes to any event, corporate or private, turning gatherings into warm, cheesy celebrations. And for those who want to dive deeper, cheese and wine tastings in Sumiswald offer a guided journey through 12 cheeses paired with 4 wines, complete with a cellar tour. It’s a delicious way to learn which cheese pairs best with which wine — and trust, it’s worth every bite and sip.
The Story Behind the Cheese
It all started around 1770 with Johannes Mauerhofer, trading cheese in what’s now Trubschachen. Fast forward to today, and the legacy continues with a clear mission: to preserve the village dairy structure in Switzerland. The cheeses are made just like a hundred years ago — from fresh raw milk sourced locally, from animals raised on pasture-fed farms. The magic happens in the Mauerhofer cellar, where master cheesemakers hand-maintain and refine the cheeses under perfect climate conditions, sometimes for months or even years.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — promoting traditional, sustainable cheese-making practices.
- SDG 15: Life on Land — supporting animal-friendly husbandry and pasture-based farming.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth — sustaining village dairy structures and local cheesemakers.
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger — contributing to food diversity with high-quality, nutritious cheese products.
- SDG 13: Climate Action — reducing transport emissions by sourcing milk within a 10km radius.
About the People Behind Fromage Mauerhofer
The project is driven by a passionate team with deep expertise. Founded in 2017 by Curdin Janett, a seasoned communications expert, and Michael Fankhauser, a business economist with a marketing background, Fromage Mauerhofer combines strong leadership with a love for cheese. Master cheesemakers Hansruedi Mumenthaler and Fritz Gerber oversee the cellar operations, ensuring every cheese is matured perfectly. Meanwhile, Stefan Jaun, a trained milk technologist, brings his expertise to specialty shops, offering advice and building connections. Together, they keep the tradition alive while pushing for innovation.
