What was the challenge/problem addressed?
Vacherin Mont-d’Or is an iconic cheese from the Vaud region, produced artisanally between mid-August and mid-March in the Vallée de Joux and at the foot of the Vaud Jura. Its main characteristic is its spruce box packaging, which adds to its unique flavor and makes it instantly recognizable. Since 2021, the spruce boxes have once again been produced locally after a ten-year period during which they were made in France. This relocation aims to strengthen the cheese’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and support the local economy.
The main challenge was to relocate the production of the spruce boxes after the retirement of the French manufacturer, ensuring the continuity of supply and preservation of ancestral know-how. It was crucial for the partnership, especially for farmers and refiners, to solve this problem to maintain the authenticity and quality of Vacherin Mont-d’Or while promoting the image of local proximity and artisanal work, essential for communication with consumers.
How did you solve the problem?
The problem was solved by creating Valartibois, a limited liability company (LLC) in the Vallée de Joux, which took over the production of spruce boxes. The project, funded by a public-private partnership, included regional and federal contributions. Old machines were reinstalled to produce the box components locally. This initiative created eight new jobs and relocated box production, ensuring complete control of the production chain.
What is innovative in your practical case?
This case is innovative in several ways:
– Technological innovation: Using old machines to modernize local production.
– Social/organizational innovation: Creating Valartibois and collaborating between various regional stakeholders to strengthen the sector.
– Market innovation: Relocating production to enhance the brand image and production chain resilience.
What are the success factors in solving the problem?
The success factors include:
– Close collaboration between refiners, regional authorities, and other stakeholders.
– Public-private financial support.
– Reinstallation of historical machines adapted for local production.
– Complete control of the production chain by the refiners
Lessons learned
– The importance of regional collaboration to overcome logistical and financial challenges.
– The added value of local production control to increase resilience and strengthen brand image.
– Integrating old machines into modern production can be viable and beneficial.
What role does the advisor or advisory service play with the practical case?
The advisor played a crucial role in this case by facilitating the training and processes of the partnership/network. Magali Estève from the Star’Terre platform was a key player, helping to create dialogue among the various actors, repatriate know-how, and find concrete solutions for storage and freezing challenges. The advisor also helped coordinate public-private funding and promote the values of proximity, tradition, and heritage to consumers.
Thus, the advisor facilitated interactive processes and knowledge exchange between partners, which was essential for the success of the relocation project and ensuring the continuity and quality of Vacherin Mont-d’Or production.
Can your approach be transferred and/or adapted for other innovation challenges and regions?
Yes
Estimated transferability on a scale from 1 to 5
(where 1 is easy and 5 very difficult)
4
For sharing the experience on the good practice, please contact
Niels
rump@kek.ch
Link to external information