Traditional products from Rwanda
Our team
Micheline Thienpont
Owner and Business Developer
Micheline worked for 10 years as a journalist in Brussels before flying to Dubai. There, she headed the Middle East Solar Industry Association for 10 years. La Fromagerie is her 3rd life!
John van Zuylen
Financial Advisor
After an MBA in Chicago, John joined the BCG (Boston Consulting Group) in Dubai. He is now following his passion for solar energy and leading various projects in Rwanda. Always open to multiple challenges, he joined La Fromagerie as a financial advisor.
Boniface Hitimana
QA - QC (Quality Assurance - Quality Control)
A graduate of the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology, Boniface is in charge of quality control of everything that enters and leaves the Fromagerie. He is also attentive on a daily basis to respecting hygiene throughout the cheese-making process.
Apollo Kabahizi
Strategic advisor
Apollon is serial entrepreneur!
Talented architect and building contractor with Ifuga, he is also active in the field of solar energy in Rwanda with Izuba. He adds a string to his bow with La Fromagerie.
Daniel Cloots
Conseiller Fromagerie / Production
Daniel is the head of the "fromagerie du Gros Chêne" in Belgium and has agreed to share his 40 years of experience with us. His help at Bumbogo and remotely is crucial to improving our products and answering our questions. He remains THE master cheesemaker at "La Fromagerie"!
Pierre Ndungutse
Master Cheesemaker
Pierre joined “la Fromagerie” in the very early days. He is now our cheese expert. He knows all the details on how to make cheese as perfect as possible. He is always challenging himself to improve what he does.
He has been trained by the best experts and his reliability is making him a respected member of the team.
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Vedaste Semushi (Mushi)
Cheese maker assistant
Védaste alias "Mushi" knew nothing about the art of making cheese but he had a fierce desire to learn. His calm and his seriousness are unanimous. Everyone knows they can count on him. It is the quiet strength of the workshop!
Pierre Tuyisenge
Goat Welfare Manager
Pierre is a child of Nyabikenke, Bumbogo. He started out delivering fodder and quickly fell in love with goats. Their well-being is his priority, he listens to them and understands their needs.
Elisabeth Mukarugwiza
Packaging Assistant
Elisabeth is the latest addition to the team. She assists Solange brilliantly. At 46, she lives in Bumbogo with her 3 children. Originally from Rutsiro, she is proud to be able to take on the life of her family thanks to her conscientious work on the farm.
Felicien Niyongira
Security Officer
Félicien participated in the construction of the farm in Bumbogo. He is from Kagugu in Kigali and is a mason by training. He likes life in the open air and feels better in the countryside. Although his role is to guard the place, he is very interested in the life of the goats.
Patrick Niyontegereje
Herd Manager
Patrick is originally from Rubavu district and has joined La Fromagerie at the beginning of the adventure. He knows each goat perfectly and learn how to take care of them thanks his reading and the veterinaries he met. He is a big fan of rap music and share this passion with the goats! His radio is never far!
Solange Bihoyiki (Soso)
Packaging Manager
Solange, known as Soso, lives in Bumbogo and is very active in the women's community. She took her full part in building the farm. She has been part of the team since day one and her good sense of humour is communicative.
Alphonse Bizimana
Hygiene Manager
Alphonse has been part of the team since day one. Very involved and attentive to the cleanliness of the workshop, he pays particular attention to the hygiene of the equipment. A crucial point for the success of a quality cheese.
Evariste & Aimé
Drivers / Delivery boys
Evariste and Aimé joined us during the second confinement to be able to deliver the cheeses in Kigali. Thanks to them and their impressive knowledge of the city, all packages arrive safely in less time than it takes to tell!