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Isigny Butter and Cream Celebrates 40 Years of AOP Status

On June 27, 2026, the “Beurre d’Isigny” and “Crème d’Isigny” designations will celebrate 40 years of recognition as Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), a landmark anniversary for these exceptional dairy products from the Normandy region.

Temps de lecture : 5 min

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Beurre d'Isigny Crème d'Isigny Protected Designation of Origin Communication Anniversigne
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AOP "Crème d'Isigny" © Olivier Russeil

An exceptional product that reflects its terroir

In the heart of the “Col du Cotentin,” between the departments of Manche and Calvados, Isigny butter and cream have for several centuries embodied a dairy expertise recognized far beyond the borders of Normandy.

Produced from milk sourced from a region blessed with a temperate oceanic climate and particularly rich pastures, the “Beurre d’Isigny” and “Crème d’Isigny” AOPs derive their uniqueness from the quality of their raw materials and rigorous production methods. The butter is distinguished by its creamy texture, its color ranging from ivory to “buttercup yellow” depending on the season, and its characteristic aromas of fresh cream and hazelnut. The cream, whether fresh or aged, reveals delicate milky flavors and a particularly rich texture.

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Recognized and Protected Expertise

Beyond their taste qualities, Isigny Butter and Cream fully embody the principles of the Official Signs of Quality and Origin (SIQO): the promotion of a close link between a product, a region, and collective expertise passed down from generation to generation.

Recognized as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) since 1986, Isigny Butter and Cream reflect the ongoing commitment of dairy farmers and processors to preserving the identity of their region and keeping an exceptional culinary heritage alive. The INAO celebrates these 40 years of recognition and the involvement of all stakeholders in the sector who contribute daily to the reputation of these iconic products.

View the specifications on the product page

About the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)

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The AOP designation refers to a product for which all stages of production are carried out according to recognized expertise within a specific geographic area, which gives the product its distinctive characteristics. It is a European designation that protects the product’s name throughout the European Union. The rules for establishing an AOP are set forth in a set of specifications and are subject to control procedures implemented by an independent body approved by the INAO.

Learn more about the AOP

Celebrating a Landmark Anniversary

To celebrate this anniversary, the industry organized an open house on June 13, 2026, allowing the public to explore the farms and production facilities involved in making Isigny Butter and Isigny Cream (AOP). The festivities will now continue on June 26 and 27 to celebrate the heritage of these Norman products.

Friday, June 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Lecture on the history of Isigny AOP Butter and Cream at the Théâtre de Carentan-les-Marais

A special lecture will be held as part of this anniversary program, offering an opportunity for discussion with speakers and experts who will present:

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  • The History of Butter from the 17th to the 19th Century with Historian Fabrice Poncet
  • The History of the AOP with Daniel Delahaye and Pascal Férey
  • The popularity of Isigny Butter and Cream among chefs and on the international stage with Romain Le Gal and Stéphane Plessis
  • A tasting of these products will round out the evening

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Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Grand Festival of Isigny AOP Butter and Cream at the Isigny-sur-Mer Town Hall Park

Isigny-sur-Mer invites you to the Grand Festival—open to everyone— a free event that will celebrate forty years of expertise through a day of fun and fellowship featuring entertainment, activities, cooking demonstrations by Michelin-starred chefs, opportunities to meet industry professionals, and tastings of the appellation’s iconic products.

This festive day will also be an opportunity to discover the full richness of Normandy’s dairy heritage and to collectively celebrate the women and men who have helped keep these exceptional products alive for several generations.

Our “Happy Birthday Signs” series

“Anniver-signe” celebrates notable anniversaries marking the recognition of appellations and products under the SIQO system. It is an opportunity to look back on the history of these sectors, promote the regions, and shine a spotlight on the men and women who bring these products to life every day. Through this content, the INAO celebrates the legacy, heritage, and vitality of the official marks of quality and origin.

See all our Anniver-signe posts

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