The combination of visionary leadership and the passionate cheesemaking were at the foundation of Bongrain's rapid transformation from a small family dairy business to a worldwide leader in the dairy industry.

In the years following the 2nd world war, Jean-Nöel Bongrain took over the small family dairy business and started working on developing an irresistibly creamy cheese, Caprice des Dieux. This small almond shaped cheese was finalised in 1956. Its indulgent appearance, bright packaging and uncommon shape defied all previous cheese norms. The name "Caprice des Dieux" (whim of the gods) illustrated Jean Nöel's plan to fight post war rationing by encouraging consumers to follow their whims and indulge in this moreish treat.

The success of Caprice des Dieux exceeded all expectations, and the Bongrain business took off. Over the next few years Bongrain grew steadily. It concentrated on developing a wide range of speciality cheeses, such as Tartare, Chaumes, Rambol, Saint Agur. It steadily increased its production capacity by taking over French cheese dairies.

After being fully established in France, Bongrain started to export and expand overseas, setting up subsidiaries in a number of European countries. Before long, through strategic acquisitions and expansion Bongrain became present on all the continents, allowing it to reinforce its presence in the global marketplace.

Bongrain is now one of the key players in the cheese market with strong brands such as: Saint Agur, Cœur de Lion, Elle & Vire, Tartare, Saint Moret, Le Rustique, Appeteasers... Bongrain's British Subsidiary, ULN was set up in 1985. Since its inauguration, its presence has grown rapidly and ULN has become one of the top continental cheese suppliers in the UK.

ULN owns four core brands that have a strong presence in the continental cheese market: Saint Agur, Cœur de Lion, Le Rustique and Caprice des Dieux.