Léon Bel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Léon Bel
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| Born | July 28, 1878 |
| Died | July 19, 1957 (aged 78) Paris, France
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| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | created The Laughing Cow cheese brand |
| Parent(s) | Jules Bel Adèle Odile Colombet |
Léon Bel (born July 28, 1878 – died July 19, 1957) was a clever French businessman. He is famous for creating one of the world's most well-known cheese brands: The Laughing Cow.
Contents
Early Life of Léon Bel
Léon Bel was born on July 28, 1878. His hometown was Orgelet, a small place in the French countryside. His father, Jules Bel, was also a cheesemaker. Jules had started a company called the Bel Group.
When he was older, Léon joined the French Army. He served during World War I, a very big war that lasted from 1914 to 1918.
Creating a Cheese Empire
After the war, Léon Bel took over the family business from his father. He wanted to make cheese that would last a long time. He worked with cheesemakers from Switzerland. They taught him how to make a special kind of cheese. This cheese was easy to carry and did not spoil quickly.
The Laughing Cow is Born!
In 1921, Léon Bel launched his most famous product. He called it The Laughing Cow (or La Vache qui rit in French). This cheese was different from others. It came in small, easy-to-eat portions. It was also very popular because it could be stored without needing a refrigerator. This made it perfect for people to take on trips or keep in their homes. The brand quickly became a huge success.
Later Life and Legacy
Léon Bel passed away on July 19, 1957, in Paris, France. Even after his death, the Bel Group continued to grow. Today, it is one of the biggest cheese companies in the world. It sells many different kinds of cheese. The Laughing Cow is still one of its most popular brands.
