Boursin is a brand of soft, fresh Gournay-style cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk and cream, with herbs mixed in, resulting in a crumbly texture. It is sold as a spreadable cheese.
The first Boursin flavour, garlic and fine herbs, was created in 1963 by François Boursin, a cheesemaker from Normandy.[1] Boursin's product was derived from a traditional party dish, fromage frais (French for "fresh cheese"); guests would take their cheese and add herbs for flavour. His recipe was the first flavoured cheese product to be sold nationally in France.
Boursin cheese was first developed in Normandy,[2] and at one time was produced exclusively in Croisy-sur-Eure, France, by the Boursin company. In 1990, the Boursin name was acquired by Unilever, who sold it to Groupe Bel in November 2007 for €400 million.[3]
Advertising
The brand was advertised on television from 1 October 1968, when French television allowed commercial breaks for the first time.