Tia Keenan Joins Original Chevre Campaign

The Goat Cheeses of France announces the appointment of Tia Keenan as ambassador for its U.S. campaign, The Original Chevre. Keenan will be involved in all aspects of the campaign, from media relations to strategic consumer events, to further the awareness of the origin and variety of French goat cheeses.

Authentic French goat cheese is the result of an expertise developed over centuries of artisan craftsmanship. With 3,000 farmhouse goat cheese producers and over 60 dairies, the range of tastes, textures, rinds and shapes is exceptionally varied. While there are certain distinctive characteristics of French goat cheese, each one has a unique profile to be discovered.

"The tradition of goat cheesemaking in France is unparalleled. There's a special relationship and appreciation for the milk, the land and the recipes, which have been passed down through generations," explained Keenan. "I am thrilled to be working with the Goat Cheeses of France to share the story and attributes of the cheeses with the U.S. market."

Tia Keenan has been a dynamic force in the cheese industry for over a decade. As a Chef Fromager, she has been recognized for shifting perceptions of pairings through masterly matching unique house-made condiments with a range of cheeses. Continuing this creativity, Keenan has crafted a selection of French goat cheese pairings, finding a complementary relationship in each to highlight the flavor and texture of the cheese. 

"You want to respect the cheese, draw out a flavor and amplify it with the accompanying condiment," said Keenan. 

Examples include:

Board 1: Crottin with Dried Mango; Florette with Fresh Plums; Valencay with Pickled Green Beans; Pico with Buckwheat Honey

Board 2: Bucheron with Roasted Chestnuts; Sainte-Maure de Touraine with Candied Lemon; Chabichou du Poitou PDO with Apple Butter; Tomme de Chevre Bethmale with Ham

The Original Chevre is the U.S. campaign for the Goat Cheeses of France aiming to raise awareness of the origins, tastes, shapes and uses of French goat cheeses. It is funded by ANICAP, France's Goat Milk Dairy Board, and supported by FranceAgriMer, French Agricultural & Fisheries Board. For more information, please visit www.goatcheesesoffrance.com.