In the mid-16th century, the Anabaptists, persecuted by the Bernese authorities, found refuge in the Prince-Bishopric of Basel. Constantly forced to justify their right to remain in the area, they dedicated all their skills to local agriculture and significantly developed it. The Abbey of Bellelay entrusted them with the management of several farms, and with it, the transmission of an ancient craft: cheesemaking. By the end of the 19th century, village dairies began to multiply.

They now produced a larger-format Gruyère, better suited for export. However, this professionalization had a downside: “Cheese from Bellelay” – today known as Tête de Moine – as well as other Jura cheese varieties, quickly declined. They never disappeared completely, though, thanks to the persistence of the Anabaptists. Among the enthusiasts of this tradition was Émile Rätz, a cheesemaker in Fornet-Dessous. He would regularly visit the Gerber family when they were making Tête de Moine, and from 1913 onwards, began producing it himself. In 1954, Ulrich Amstutz purchased the dairy in Fornet-Dessous.

Two years later, in 1956, his son Daniel took over management, immediately after completing his apprenticeship.

Chronology of the Fromagerie Amstutz

1956 – Daniel Amstutz and Ruth Kipfer

1983 – Construction of the new dairy

1985 – Moron Dairy: milk buyer and producer of Tête de Moine and Moron cheese

Daniel Amstutz takes over the business with his wife Béatrice Rediger

1991 – Family collaboration between the two brothers

Eric Amstutz with his wife Brigitte, and Daniel Amstutz with his wife Béatrice

1997 – Purchase and conversion of the Fuet dairy

1998 – Purchase of the Châtelat dairy

1998 – Processing of organic milk in Fuet and opening of a shop

2001 – Construction in Fornet of a south hall and a cellar for 150,000 Tête de Moine

2003 – Menno Amstutz obtains his CFC (Swiss Federal Certificate of Competence)

2005 – Fromagerie Amstutz SA changes its legal status to become a public limited company

2005 – Menno Amstutz joins Fromagerie Amstutz

2019 – Dairy taken over by Menno Amstutz and his wife Carla Amstutz

2021 – Start of Tête Dure production

2021 – Acquisition of Gaudis AG, Beromünster

2022 – Closure of the Beromünster packaging site