Click on the dates below to see the Le Creuset milestones for each decade...

1925 - 1935

The beginning of an adventure

In 1924, two Belgian industrialists, Armand Desaegher (a casting specialist) and Octave Aubecq (an enamelling specialist), met at the Brussels Fair. They decided to create a foundry which would enamel various cookware items.

In 1925, Le Creuset® was born and set up business in Fresnoy-le-Grand in Aisne, France. This was a strategic position for the company, at the crossroads of transportation routes for the raw materials of coke, iron and sand.

This same year the first cocotte was produced.  

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1935 - 1945

Le Creuset during the war

Le Creuset began to develop its product range: cookers, charcoal stoves, hot plates for electric cookers and kitchen utensils … as well as a commercial strategy.

A first publicity campaign on the radio and in the press was launched to promote the quality of enamelled cast iron.

The onset of war brought troubled times as the foundry was close to front lines and occupied by German forces.

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1945 - 1955

A new start

After the 2nd World War, contrary to its competitors, Le Creuset concentrated on its range of enamelled cast iron cookware and was a major innovator of the time with new and exciting styles and pieces.

Originality was shown in the creation of enamel colours.

In 1952, export to other countries had really begun with ever greater volume of products destined to other European countries and the United States.

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1955 - 1965

Innovation

This decade was to see the acceleration of ideas and enthusiasm which was the original dream of the two founders.

In 1955, launch of the first Grill model: the Tostador. The new colour “Elysées Yellow” was a real success!

In 1957, Le Creuset bought its major competitor, les Hauts Fourneaux of Cousances, the designer of the popular Doufeu - a cocotte with a water lid.

In 1958, media launch of the Coquelle designed by Raymond Loewy, a famous Franco-American designer, justly named “the Father of Industrial Design”.

In 1962, Le Creuset launched its first Fondue Set, inspired by the growing trend in winter sports and skiing holidays.

In 1963, Le Creuset launched its first Barbecue.

(Pictured above is the Coquelle)  

1965 - 1975

Modernisation 

In 1966, Le Creuset modernised the factory production equipment and replaced the manual casting workshop with semi automatic machines.

In 1970, Le Creuset took over the Godin company, specialists in furnaces and firing equipment for foundries.

In 1972, the celebrated Italian designer Enzo Mari completely redesigned the traditional cocotte to create the “Mama” range with its distinctly different handle shape.

Total production exceeded 6,000 tons!

In 1974, Le Creuset took leap forward into the U.S.A. with the formation of its own subsidiary in South Carolina “Le Creuset of America Inc.”.

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1975 - 1985

Internationalisation

This decade was all about the internationalisation. U.S.A., Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium… these were the many destinations for Le Creuset cocottes. Everywhere, they were associated with images of French style and cuisine. In 1980, a US publicity campaign promoted: “Every good cook should know a little French: Le Creuset”.

And, innovation remains at the forefront of Le Creuset’s success. In 1980-1981, The Jam Pot (Marmite à Confiture) was introduced. The Multifunction Cocotte was launched promoting the healthy approach to steaming food. Products were adapted to make them more suitable to ceramic hobs with the introduction of the Vitrobase.

1985 - 1995

A totally new spirit 

In 1985 a worldwide survey by the weekly magazine “Expansion”, in collaboration with “Newsweek”, placed Le Creuset in the top 30 French products recognised by a worldwide audience.

In 1987, Le Creuset launched its new range: “Futura”, designed by J.L. Barrault.

In 1988, the current President, Paul Van Zuydam, bought the company.

This decade was to see the set up of three further subsidiaries: in the UK (1988), in Japan (1991), and finally in Germany (1994).

In 1991, Le Creuset purchased Hallen International Inc who made wine accessories under the Screwpull trademark.

In 1992, Le Creuset launched its first wok inspired by the growing trend in Asian cooking and the new Saffron colour.

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1995 - 2005

Expansion 

This decade was to see the set up of various subsidiaries worldwide: in Hong-Kong (1998), Switzerland, South Africa, Brazil and Spain (1999), Scandinavia (2003), Italy and Canada (2004), as well as a sourcing office in China (2004).

Product innovation reflected the strong international presence of Le Creuset, adapting to local cooking trends and habits: Spanish Pueblo range in sun baked colours in 1995, first US vegetable cocotte: the Pumpkin in 1998, French Tatin Dish in 2000, Indian Karahi & Balti dishes, Japanese Sukiyaki Cocotte in 2002, Italian Risotto Pot in 2004…

New colours appeared: Granite Grey & Cream in 2000, Chocolate & Pistachio in 2003, Satin Blue & Kiwi in 2004, Lavender & Burgundy in 2005… 

Le Creuset modernised its factory with the installation of a new electric furnace in 1999 and a new moulding chain increasing the foundry capacity in 2003.

The brand was also diversified with the introduction of enamel on steel kettles in 1995, silicone spatulas in 1997, a textile range in 1999, stoneware bakeware in 2001, silicone bakeware and stainless steel cookware in 2002 and most recently Toughened Non-Stick frying pans in 2008.