La Ferme du Pont des Loups

What La Ferme du Pont des Loups does

La Ferme du Pont des Loups is a French artisanal farmhouse cheese producer (fromagerie fermière) located in Saint-Aubin in the Avesnois regional natural park of northern France. Founded in 1969 and operated by the Gravez family across three generations, the company runs a vertically integrated dairy operation spanning approximately 250 hectares with around 20 dairy cows, producing more than 18 varieties of cheese. Its flagship product is Maroilles AOP, a protected-designation-of-origin soft cheese from the Avesnois-Thiérache region. The business employs 8 people and combines on-farm cheese production, direct retail, agritourism, and online sales across three boutique locations (Saint-Aubin, Valenciennes opened in 2021, and Maubeuge) operating under three brand names: La Ferme du Pont des Loups, La Ferme du Moulin, and La Ferme de Marguerite.

The operation sells to individual retail consumers through its three boutiques and via the Pourdebon.com online channel (launched in 2018), and hosts paid farm tours, educational visits, and corporate group events (including a documented Crédit Agricole group visit). A new outdoor terrace added in 2025 extends on-site hospitality capacity. The product range extends beyond raw-milk AOP cheese into premium variants such as Félait à la Truffe (2019) and processed derivatives including Crème de Maroilles and Bienfait (2023). Recent capital investment in packaging equipment has been co-financed by the EU FEADER (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development) program, and the company has accumulated independent third-party recognition through Gault & Millau distinctions (2019-2021), a silver medal at the Concours Général Agricole (2023), and a medal at the Mondial du Fromage (2023).

Name

La Ferme du Pont des Loups

Legal name

La Ferme du Pont des Loups

Website

https://fermedupontdesloups.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

La Ferme du Pont des Loups is a French artisanal farmhouse cheese producer founded in 1969 in Saint-Aubin, producing 18+ cheese varieties led by Maroilles AOP, sold via three retail boutiques, agritourism, and online channels under the Gravez family.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Artisanal Farmhouse Cheese (Fromagerie Fermière)

NAICS

Cheese Manufacturing (311513), Dairy Product (except Frozen) Manufacturing (31151), Dairy Cattle and Milk Production (112120)

SIC

Dairy Products (2020)

akta.pro primary industry

Cheese Manufacturing (AFAKAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Ripened Natural Cheese Manufacturing (Semi-Soft, Hard & Blue) (AFAHABAB), Dairy Spreads, Dips & Cream Cheese Manufacturing (AFAKAKAL), Cheese (Natural & Processed) (CRADACAC)

Keywords

• Artisanal farmhouse cheese
• Maroilles AOP production
• Washed-rind cheese aging
• Cheese dairy tours
• Custom cheese platters

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint-Aubin

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Artisanal Farmhouse Cheese Sales: Sale of 18+ artisanal cheeses produced on the farm from the farm's own cow milk, including the flagship Maroilles AOP and regional specialties (Boulette d'Avesnes, Vieux Lille, T'Chiot Biloute, etc.). Revenue generated through 3 owned boutiques, online marketplace (Pourdebon.com), and producer markets. Products sold under 3 brand names: La Ferme du Pont des Loups, La Ferme du Moulin, and La Ferme de Marguerite.
2. Cheese Platters and Catering: Custom cheese platters (apéritif, dinatoire, end-of-meal, raclette), cheese bouquets, and mounted cheese pieces sold by order for private events. Orders placed by phone or in-store, 24-48h advance notice required. Also includes wholesale of 250+ producer cheeses in the Valenciennes boutique as epicerie fine.
3. On-Site Visitor Experiences: Revenue from paid visitor experiences: guided tours (€7.35/person), visits with breakfast (€11.55/person), visits with goûter/afternoon snack (€11.55/person), and group guided tours with tasting (€7.35/person). Free self-guided visits available. Also includes terrace refreshments and farm breakfasts on reservation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

La Ferme du Pont des Loups is a vertically integrated artisanal farmhouse cheese dairy in Saint-Aubin (Nord, France) that simultaneously operates as farmer (250 hectares, ~20 dairy cows), cheesemaker, and affineur. It produces 18+ farmhouse cheeses from its own cows' milk — including the AOP-certified Maroilles Fermier, Vieux Lille, T'Chiot Biloute variants, Bienfait, Dauphin, Félait à la Truffe, and Boulette d'Avesnes — and sells them through three owned boutiques (Saint-Aubin, Valenciennes, Maubeuge), the Pourdebon.com online marketplace, and on-site visitor experiences including guided tours, tastings, and custom cheese platters.

Product overview

La Ferme du Pont des Loups is an artisanal farmstead cheese dairy in Saint-Aubin, northern France, operating since 1969 across 2 generations. The company produces approximately 18 distinct cheeses under three brand names (La Ferme du Pont des Loups, La Ferme du Moulin, La Ferme de Marguerite) within their AOP-certified facility. The core product portfolio centers on Maroilles fermier (AOP) in four formats (Quart 180g, Mignon 360g, Pavé 720g, Grand Cru 720g aged 70 days) and regional specialties including Vieux Lille, T'Chiot Biloute (three variants: Original, Bière, Cidre), Chaud Biloute, Bienfait, Dauphin, Félait à la Truffe, Coeur d'Avesnes, Coeur du Pont des Loups, Boulette d'Avesnes (Rouge and Blanche), Rouchi à l'Échalotte, and Rollot. Added-value offerings include Crème de Maroilles and Crème de Bienfait (launched 2023), plus service offerings: custom cheese boards/plateaux (Raclette, Dinatoire, Fin de Repas, Apéritif, Bouquet styles), cheese dairy tours with tastings, and online ordering via Pourdebon marketplace. The operation is vertically integrated, producing cheese from their own cows' milk across 250 hectares, with boutiques in Saint-Aubin, Valenciennes, and Maubeuge.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Le Maroilles Fermier AOP-certified farmstead Maroilles produced from the farm's own thermized cow's milk, available in four formats: Quart (180g, mild), Mignon (360g), Pavé (720g, square), and Grand Cru (aged 70 days, full-flavor). Washed-rind soft cheese and the farm's signature product.
• Le Vieux Lille Typical Northern France washed-rind soft cheese salted twice for a pronounced salty taste (also known as 'Gris de Lille'). Available in Quart and Pavé formats; the Pavé is aged in a less oxygenated cellar producing a lighter rind.
• Le T'Chiot Biloute Round washed-rind cheese available in three variants: Original (raw since 2015), Bière (brushed with amber 'garde' beer from Northern France), and Cidre (brushed with cider). Original farm creation expressing regional Avesnois identity.
• Le Chaud Biloute The only Northern cheese specifically designed for oven cooking. Individual portion size for use as a melted appetizer with bread dippers or as a main course.
• Le Bienfait Creamy, mild bloomy-rind cheese (original farm creation). Unique among the farm's products because it continues to age naturally within its packaging after sale, requiring specific packaging construction.
• Le Dauphin Typical Avesnois cheese made with estragon (tarragon) infused in milk before curdling. Historical creation originating from the Maroilles Abbey monks.
• Le Félait à la Truffe Creamy, mild and flavorful bloomy-rind soft cheese hand-filled with black truffle (Tuber Melanosporum). Original farm creation launched December 2019.
• Le Coeur d'Avesnes Heart-shaped Thiérache regional specialty (also called 'Coeur de Lille' or 'Coeur d'Arras'). Fine in the mouth with a gentle character, particularly popular for Valentine's Day.
• Le Coeur du Pont des Loups Original farm creation with a very mild taste popular with children. Heart-shaped cheese and the only lactose-free cheese in the farm's range, suitable for lactose-intolerant consumers.
• La Boulette d'Avesnes Hand-shaped conical cheese made from a blend of young and aged Maroilles. Available in Blanche (enriched with pepper, tarragon, salt) and Rouge (coated with paprika for red color) variants. Historical Avesnois specialty.
• Le Rouchi à l'Échalote Original farm creation flavored with shallots; shallot petals are integrated into the curdled milk to diffuse flavor throughout the cheese. Can be enjoyed raw or melted.
• Le Rollot Small cousin of Maroilles, ideal for regional cheese boards. Historical Thiérache specialty traditionally awarded the title of 'royal cheese' by Louis XIV.
• Crème de Maroilles Spreadable cream made with the farm's own Maroilles cheese. Used on bread, in gratins, or as a sauce.
• Crème de Bienfait Spreadable cream made with the farm's Bienfait cheese. Used on bread, in gratins, or as a sauce.
• Plateaux de Fromages (Cheese Boards) Custom-built cheese boards available in multiple styles: Raclette, Fin de Repas (end of meal), Dinatoire (buffet), Apéritif, and Bouquet de Fromages (cheese bouquets). Made to order with 24-48 hours notice; orders by phone or in-store.
• Visites de la Fromagerie (Cheese Dairy Tours) Guided and self-guided tours of the cheese-making facility via the unique visitor corridor, including 7-cheese tastings with Avesnois apple juice, film presentations, farm breakfasts and goûters, plus special family activities during school vacations. Group tours priced from €7.35/person; family formats from €11.55/person.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5-time medal winner at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris for Maroilles fermier (prior to 2019)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AOP Maroilles (Syndicat du Maroilles)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLa Ferme du Pont des Loups is a member of the Syndicat du Maroilles, the regulatory body overseeing the Maroilles AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protégée) — the only AOP cheese north of Paris, produced exclusively in Thiérache. Membership enables the farm to produce and sell certified Maroilles fermier under the AOP designation, which is central to its brand identity and competitive positioning.
• CIVAM (Centres d'Initiatives pour Valoriser l'Agriculture et le Milieu rural)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCIVAM is an association of farming innovators who promote sustainable agriculture and rural development. The farm is listed as a member, reflecting its commitment to innovative and sustainable farming practices.
• Bienvenue à la FermeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe 'Bienvenue à la Ferme' label helps consumers identify authentic farm-based agricultural operations for direct product purchases and on-farm experiences. The farm uses this label to signal its identity as a genuine working farm with direct sales.
• Fédération des Fromagers de FranceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe company is affiliated with the Fédération des Fromagers de France, which represents and defends the interests of 3,200 crémiers and fromagers across France. This provides networking, advocacy, and professional development benefits.
• Saveurs en Or (Hauts-de-France)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaveurs en Or is a collective brand for food products manufactured in the Hauts-de-France region. With 1,095 approved products, this certification signals regional quality and authenticity to consumers.
• Parc Naturel Régional de l'AvesnoisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe farm is located within the Parc Naturel Régional de l'Avesnois, a protected natural region characterised by bocage countryside, meadows, and forests. The PNR supports and promotes local agricultural and artisanal producers. The farm's identity and practices (hedgerows, grassland management) are closely tied to this regional designation.
• Maison des Entreprises de Thiérache et de la SerreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn association created in 1998 representing businesses in Thiérache and the Pays de la Serre. Its objective is to participate in the economic and social development of the region. The farm is listed as affiliated, indicating regional economic participation.
• ARVD (Association Régionale des Vendeurs Directs)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerARVD informs and defends direct farm-to-consumer sellers of dairy products. The farm, as a direct-sales fromagerie, benefits from this association's advocacy and networking.
• Agro-SphèresminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation of agri-food businesses for the Hauts-de-France region that promotes the region and helps companies develop projects. The farm is listed as a member.
• Musverre (Saint-Amand-les-Eaux)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a local tourism partner on the farm's visitor information page. Musverre is a glass museum in Saint-Amand-les-Eaux. The partnership enables cross-promotion to tourists visiting the Avesnois region.
• Le Val JolyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a local tourism partner. Val Joly is a major lakeside leisure destination in the Avesnois region, attracting visitors who are targeted as potential customers for the farm's visitor experiences and direct sales.
• Château de TrélonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a local partner. Château de Trélon is a cultural heritage site in the Avesnois. The partnership targets cultural tourists as potential farm visitors.
• La Brasserie CastelainminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a local partner. Castelain is a regional brewery in the Nord region. The farm's T'Chiot Biloute à la Bière is brushed with Ch'Ti Ambrée beer, and Castelain's proximity suggests potential local sourcing ties, though not explicitly stated.
• Xavier Sculptures (Maubeuge)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaubeugeois artist who created the farm's wolf sculpture mascot ('Un Loup dans la fromagerie!' August 2019). The sculpture, a howling wolf made of metal, took several months to complete and is a landmark at the Saint-Aubin farm.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Fromagerie Hutin: Artisanal Maroilles producer based in the village of Maroilles (Thiérache). Operates a farm-to-table model with on-site shop and direct sales, producing Maroilles AOP under the same AOP framework as La Ferme du Pont des Loups and serving an overlapping regional customer base.
• Fromagerie Rouzaire: Family-run Maroilles and washed-rind cheese producer in Thiérache. Competes with La Ferme du Pont des Loups for the same AOP Maroilles designation, regional farm-store channel, and Northern France artisan customer.
• Fromagerie de l'Abbaye de Tamié: Artisanal monastic farmstead cheese producer in Savoie. Comparable operating model combining on-site farm sales, visitor tours, and a multi-SKU washed/pressed cheese range — similar structure of cheese + visitor-experience revenue to La Ferme du Pont des Loups.

Broad incumbents

• Savencia Fromage & Dairy: Major French specialty cheese group (Caprice des Dieux, Saint Albray, etc.). Represents the broad incumbent tier of branded French cheese; contrasts with La Ferme du Pont des Loups's single-family AOP farmstead model.
• Beillevaire: French artisan cheese retailer/affineur operating multiple boutiques and an e-commerce site with a curated farmhouse cheese range. Comparable direct-to-consumer multi-location retail model, though at significantly larger scale.
• Graindorge: Major Livarot and Pont-l'Évêque AOP producer in Normandy. Comparable AOP-anchored brand portfolio with broader national distribution and larger scale; represents a wider incumbent in the French AOP washed/soft-rind cheese space.
• Marcel Petite Comté: Specialist Comté affineur operating a multi-tier cave aging process comparable to La Ferme du Pont des Loups's two-cave affinage. Broader scale and national reach but shares the traditional affinage discipline and farm-supply sourcing model.
• Agrial / Eurial: Large French agricultural cooperative with a substantial dairy division (Eurial) producing cheeses including Camembert and Emmental. Provides a reference for industrial-scale French dairy competitors; contrasts with La Ferme du Pont des Loups's artisanal farmstead positioning.

Others

• Fédération des Fromagers de France: Industry association of French fromagers and crémiers. La Ferme du Pont des Loups is a listed member; the federation represents the broader professional network, training, and advocacy ecosystem in which the company operates.

Regional players

• Fromagerie de Munster (Haxaire): Munster AOP farmstead cheese producer in Alsace. Comparable washed-rind affinage know-how and on-site boutique model, but operating in a different French region (Alsace vs. Thiérache).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCJjbLuwzw6Zs9o7sLAFDmWw
• Facebookfacebook.com/LaFermeduPontdesLoups
• Instagraminstagram.com/lafermedupontdesloups
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/la-ferme-du-pont-des-loups

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about La Ferme du Pont des Loups