🧀 Frico

Frico is a Dutch cheese brand owned by the Royal FrieslandCampina cooperative. Its story began in 1898, when six dairy factories in Friesland joined forces in an export association: it first shipped butter abroad, then cheese.

The Frico name appeared in the 1930s, built from the first syllables of “Friesian” and “Cooperation”. The cooperative model has not changed: the company is owned by the farmers who supply fresh cow's milk to its cheese dairies.

The core of the range is classic Dutch cow's milk cheese. The Frico Gouda range covers young Gouda, matured for about 4 weeks, and mature Gouda, matured for 8–12 weeks, sold as wheels, slices and wedges. Frico Maasdam is a Maasdam with large eyes that form during natural ripening (about 5 weeks). The seasonal Liebling der Saison series is Gouda made from May, late-summer or spring milk with different maturing times. There is also Frico Belle Blanche, a mild sliced cheese made from 100% goat's milk.

Frico cheese is sold in Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and Australia, and the brand runs separate websites for many countries.

How to choose: check the maturing time on the label. Young Gouda is softer and creamier and melts well in toasties; mature Gouda has a fuller taste and suits a cheese board, pasta and bakes.