The AOP Festival food & culture returns to Le Centquatre this weekend

From April 26 to 28, the 51 dairy PDOs will gather at the CENTQUATRE-PARIS, in the 19th arrondissement, for a three-day celebration of local cheeses, butters and creams. The event promises to be a gourmet affair, with a wide range of activities, but above all a showcase for the expertise of producers of 46 cheeses, 3 butters and 2 creams with Protected Designations of Origin.

A TAILOR-MADE, CONVIVIAL AND GOURMET PROGRAM BASED ON AOP DAIRY PRODUCTS

Over the three days of the PDO Festival, young and old are invited to open their eyes, ears and taste buds wide. Farmers' markets, tastings, children's activities, live music concerts, a food bar and DJ set the pace for this not-to-be-missed event.

Visitors will be able to talk directly to producers from all over France, to find out more about the PDO and how these much-loved delicacies are produced. From Rigotte de Condrieu PDO to Maroilles PDO, Crème d'Isigny PDO and Beurre de Bresse PDO, every region will be represented, and there will be something to suit every taste.

The more inquisitive can also get their hands dirty, with hands-on workshops on offer. For those with a sweet tooth, discussions with professionals will give them all the advice they need to create the perfect cheese platter, or choose the best pairing between food and drink/bread, etc.

CHOICE GUESTS TO REPRESENT THE AOP DAIRY PRODUCERS

On-site culinary shows will be hosted by some of the biggest names in French gastronomy. Top of the list is Nina Métayer, French pastry chef elected world pastry chef 2023. She will be cooking and talking to visitors about the importance of baking with PDO butters and creams, both for the taste and quality of the product, and to support PDO producers. Other names taking part in these culinary shows include Jean Covillault, Julien Serri, Mohamed Cheikh and Merouan Bounekraf. They'll all be cooking up recipes based on several French dairy PDOs. It's sure to make your mouth water and give you ideas for gourmet recipes!

What's the PDOprogramme:

- Tastings and discussions with producers of the 51 PDO dairy products
- Live music and DJ set
- Culinary shows with surprise guests including Nina Métayer, pastry chef voted world's best pastry chef in 2023, and other chefs !
- Hands-on workshops ( making products, tips for composing trays, pairing cheeses with drinks/buns, etc.)
- Games and quizzes
- Children's area
- Food and bar area

Participating in the PDO Festival means emerging as a true dairy expert!