Bridel started out as a dairy trading business in butter, eggs and cream. Founded in 1846 in Martigné-Ferchaud (Brittany), the company grew with each generation and diversified its business, notably in 1917 when it moved into cheese production. In the 1960s it became the largest dairy producer in the west of France. Having stayed in the same family until 1990, Bridel then joined the Lactalis group and made it the leading dairy producer in France. It brought with it its highly efficient factories and its prestigious brands (Bridel, Bridélice, Bridelight).
In 1994, Bridel launched its Rondelé® cheese flavoured with garlic and fines herbes, followed in the next year by two major innovations: the Bridélice and Bridelight butter tubs. Then came Bridélice fresh cream and the Bocage food preparation, specifically intended for the international market (1996).
Bridel milk and emmental were launched on the international market in 1997.
Then in 2000 and 2003 the Bridelight range expanded with the launch of its fresh cream and its cheese in a wooden box.