The Swiss Fondue Festival

Fribourg, the fondue capital

This autumn, for four days, from 17 to 20 November 2022, fifteen thousand people to be exact, gathered in Fribourg around an emblematic dish, the fondue.

The festival aims to pay tribute to our national and regional dish. Indeed, the real "Moitié-Moitié" fondue is composed, in equal parts, of two cheeses originally from Fribourg, 50% of which is Le Gruyère AOP.

In the heart of the city of Fribourg, the Georges-Python square changed its appearance and was transformed into a temple of fondue, "La bûche". An impressive canopy in the shape of an alcove, created to measure, encompassed the bandstand and the trees of the square. Both inside and outside, the semi-transparent walls let the light through. So even while inside, you could enjoy the beauty of the surrounding historical monuments as well as the sunset.

A tasting filled with nuances

Part of the event is free. For example, you can discover the new Le Gruyère AOP stand operated in conjunction with Le Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP, designed especially for the occasion. All types of Le Gruyère AOP, including Le Gruyère D'Alpage AOP, Le Gruyère AOP Classic and Reserve, can be tasted. Thanks to the different maturing processes, everyone will find the Le Gruyère AOP that will make their heart skip a beat. For the record, you can even discover the dairy of origin of each piece of cheese on display by scanning a corresponding QR code. For even more gourmet delights, head for the restaurant, located upstairs and overlooking the bandstand. It is an ideal place to share a convivial moment over a delicious Moitié-Moitié fondue while admiring the heart of Fribourg which surrounds you.

A second part of the festival is dedicated to the tasting of fondues. So get your taste buds ready, get set, go! The Forchette package, at CHF 29, gives access to fourteen different stands where you can taste two fondues at each stand, i.e. 28 fondues equivalent to 220 grams in total per person. When tasting a fondue, one sometimes forgets the possible nuances. In fact, by comparing different Moitié-Moitié fondues, you will be able to perceive different flavours. For example, a Moitié-Moitié fondue with Gruyère d'Alpage AOP is more full-bodied than a Moitié-Moitié fondue with classic Le Gruyère AOP.

The Moitié-Moitié certified fondue

Since the first day of the festival, the "Moitié-Moitié" fondue was officially labelled. The aim is to guarantee consumers the quality and origin of the ingredients used in this dish. Did you know that? A real fondue with the "Moitié-Moitié" label contains at least 48.5% Le Gruyère AOP. The second piece of good news is that you will soon be able to find this product in shops by the beginning of 2023.

An event that brings together enthusiasts from all walks of life 

It all started with an idea from the region's economic actors who were passionate about our gastronomic heritage and wanted to give fondue a place of honour in Fribourg. They worked for several years to bring this project to life and make it a reality.

On site, you will of course find the fourteen regional fondue producers and merchants, among them Le Gruyère AOP. The common denominator between them is passion and love. For some, love in the strict sense of the word brings them together as they work as a family. For all of them, but even more so for some, it is the love for their product that drives them.

And then, of course, the most passionate of all are the fifteen thousand people who gathered for the pleasure of sharing a convivial moment around a comforting and emblematic dish which symbolises our heritage and our know-how.

Le Gruyère AOP was delighted with this first edition of the Swiss Fondue Festival and hopes that it will be repeated in 2023.