Our vision

Who we are

We are the Fondation Blancpain pour le Maintien des Traditions de la Brasserie, independent and private, fighting to preserve Fribourg's brewing heritage and traditions by encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit, inspired by the unique story of the Blancpain family saga.

It is in this context that we are developing and managing the SwissBierMuseum Cardinal Fribourg.

Context

The Foundation was created in 1978 by Claude Blancpain to safeguard existing brewing heritage and ensure that it is not lost.

Since 2011, the collection has remained at bluefactory, despite the relocation of the former brewery.

Today, the Foundation is recognized as a public utility (member of theAMS,AMCF and Fribourg Tourisme) and fights to promote Fribourg's brewing heritage.

A story that speaks about us and speaks to us

What makes Cardinal's story so special is the multiplicity of historical fields it covers (scientific, technical and social) and what it says about us, as Fribourgeois, Romand, Swiss and human beings.

A unifying narrative, a source of cohesion

The story of Cardinal's Fribourg saga is intrinsically linked to the recent development of the history of the city of Fribourg and its Canton.

Its historical attachment to the Old Town and, by extension, to an entire region, helps us answer the question: where do we come from?

Cardinal grew up with the city of Fribourg (e.g. brewery, funicular railway, fire station). It contributed to the region's food security with its avant-garde silo (requisitionable in the event of famine), offering innovative products such as Tartex and Parfait.

Our vision

In the Cardinal saga, we find values such as entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability (the foundations of the bluefactory project).

This pioneering tale of a Fribourg start-up is intended to inspire future generations to meet today's challenges.

The Foundation works to promote the region by actively collaborating with local players, with a clear commitment to integrating into municipal and cantonal development policies.

The Fermentarium

By delving into the archives with Martin Schick (bluefactory's cultural manager at the time), we became aware of an essential element: the fermentation process at the heart of beer production.

This is the DNA of our future project: Le Fermentarium. To find out more

Our committee

Comprising 5 Foundation Board members, we come from a variety of backgrounds to support our mission. We are advised and audited by Fidutrust SA.

Current composition

Alain Kaehr (Sommelier and brewing consultant)
Board member

Jérôme Magnin (Barrister)
Board member

André Clément (Master Brewer)
Board member

Violaine de Poret (Audit, Accountant)
Board member and Vice-Chairwoman

Loïc Blancpain (Marketing and Communications)
Board member and Chairman