An exceptional terroir
Our collection zone is a geographically-defined area which extends across 35 square kilometres of the Cotentin peninsula and adjoining elevated Bessin farmland. This zone comprises low-lying marshes and higher bocage or farmland criss-crossed with hedges and thickets, all drained by a network of rivers that converge along the coastline near Isigny-sur-Mer. This fertile land, with its mild maritime microclimate, was transformed down the centuries, turning it into a classic terroir: a seamless blend of naturally favourable conditions and human endeavour. Today its rich pastures are the source of prestigious and luxuriant grazing, a truly great source of butter and cream.
The soils are rich and fertile, thanks to alluvial deposits. It averages 170 days of rain a year, well spread throughout the seasons. Summer temperatures are mild, the winters are not particularly cold. The growing grass benefits from the salty, onshore sea breezes. The temperate ocean climate ensures exceptionally rich grass growth for much of the year. The milk from our cows is rich in mineral salts, trace elements and essential fatty acids.
Farms with extensive practices
To make PDO products, our dairy farmers observe extensive farming practices on their holdings. They undertake to respect both animals and land alike. Cattle have access to grazing for at least seven months of the year, the stocking density is no more than three cows per hectare and forage crops are grown mainly on the same farm.
A dairy that is owned by the producers
Isigny Sainte-Mère is an independent dairy cooperative. Our members are milk producers who deliver to the cooperative. The constitution of our administrative council and the nomination of our President is decided in consultation with all our milk producers, who each have an equal say in the vote.
This structure ensures the sustainability of our milk supply and stability in both the investment decisions and the commercial policies.
Traditional know-how in top of the range products
All the milk is collected within 48 hours and it is processed in a traditional way, from the intake until it is made into butter, cream, cheese or skimmed milk.
Our skimmed milks meet the highest standards of food safety, quality and are fully traceable. This allows Isigny Sainte-Mère to sell a very wide range of infant formula milks all over the world, made to world class standards.
Present on markets all over the world
Since the day it was founded in 1932, Isigny Sainte-Mère as always wanted to offer a very diverse range of products: this is a strong point of the cooperative. Isigny Sainte-Mère markets more than 100 products, packed in dozens of packaging formats.
Due to its dynamism, the cooperative’s products are sold through traditional outlets: hypermarkets and supermarkets, as well as high street bakeries or pâtisseries all over the world (more than half of Isigny Sainte-Mère’s sales are earned on export markets).