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Le Creuset Turns 90

Le Creuset limited-edition 90th Anniversary Original CocotteLe Creuset, the pioneering manufacturer of enameled cast iron cookware, is launching a worldwide celebration of its 90th anniversary. During its nine-decade history, the brand has manufactured over 300 million products for more than 70 countries. To commemorate this milestone, Le Creuset will be releasing a limited-edition replica of its original product, launching an online ‘time capsule’ initiative and hosting celebrations worldwide throughout the month of September.

“For decades, Le Creuset has been at the center of so many family memories. In the kitchen and around the table, our cookware is prized and passed down to the next generation. Every piece – from our classic French ovens to our Moroccan tagines – becomes part of someone’s story, and that’s what we’re celebrating. Ninety years of stories,” said Faye Gooding, CEO, Le Creuset of America.

Nine decades ago, a French enameling specialist and a French casting expert came together to make superior cast iron cookware, coated in a porcelain enamel glaze. The two opened a foundry in Fresnoy-le-Grand, a small town in Northern France, and began producing colorful enameled cast iron—a revolution in a time when cookware was dull and gray. Their first color, in fact, was a bright ‘Flame’ orange inspired by the vibrant tones of molten cast iron. Since then, Le Creuset has grown into a global company offering a full collection of premium cookware, bakeware, kitchen tools, wine tools and kitchen accessories, but the brand’s commitment to handcrafted quality and vibrant color endures today.

As a tribute to this milestone the company will introduce a limited-edition 90th Anniversary Original Cocotte – a specially-designed replica of the very first French oven, or cocotte, Le Creuset produced. Only 1,925 of these cast iron pieces have been made in honor of the company’s founding. Le Creuset aficionados will notice that the original cocotte features many of the design details still found on current Le Creuset cookware – a testament to Le Creuset’s timeless style and craftsmanship.

“It’s no surprise that Le Creuset’s first Flame-colored cocotte came in 1925 – a time when France led the world in reinventing modern cuisine. Le Creuset has always been at the forefront of design and color,” said Paul Van Zuydam, Chairman of Le Creuset. “It’s why cooks around the world feel so passionate about our products. They trust our quality, but they also treasure us for the color and joy Le Creuset helps them create in their kitchens. I am excited to celebrate 90 years of our rich legacy—and even more excited about all the future holds.”

“From the beginning, our founders were committed to designing cookware that lasts for decades. Now, nine decades later, we are delighted to pay tribute to their colorful vision and craftsmanship—and to all the ways Le Creuset cookware has made an impact on people’s lives,” added Van Zuydam.

In addition, the brand will share its 90th anniversary with the world through an online ‘time capsule.’ This interactive anniversary website will invite Le Creuset fans to memorialize their personal experiences with Le Creuset cookware in photos, videos and text tributes. Set to launch with the 90th Anniversary Cocotte release, the website will provide an ever-changing portrait of what of Le Creuset means in the lives of cooks around the world. In addition to the website, Le Creuset divisions in different countries will commemorate the brand’s 90th anniversary with their own celebrations and initiatives all year. The microsite will launch on 9/1 at www.lecreuset90.com.