From our family to yours since 1980
The 1980s
The beginning of a great journey
It was in 1980 that the young entrepreneurs, Cícero and Carlos Hegg, took the first step in our love story with cheese when they acquired the Franco dairy plant, manufacturer of Mineirão cheese. Therefore, with the commitment to offer the best cheeses to the consumer, they set out in search of quality milk in the region, producing their first products, Prato cheese and butter. In 1981, the Tirolez brand was born as a tribute to the city of Tiros, a small town in the interior of Minas Gerais.
The 1990s
From Brazil to the world
The decade was marked by many important moments for us. In 1990, the Tirolez mascot was born, created to bring the brand to life and connect it with consumers and customers. In 1992, we launched the first line of specialty cheeses produced in the country (Gouda, Swiss, Estepe, and Emmental cheeses), and in 1994, we introduced the first line of light cheeses to the Brazilian market, such as Mozzarella, Prato, and Minas Standard Cheese – Light. We expanded our sales throughout the country, which were previously concentrated only in the Southeast, and in 1999, we began exporting cheeses to other countries. This moment marked an important chapter in our history, when the brand and the quality of our products began to be recognized internationally.
The 2000s
Our portfolio with many new features
With a keen eye on the needs of our consumers, we launched the Cheese Cream category in 2008 with Tirolez Ricotta Cream, the No. 1 in Brazil. Two years later, with thirty years of history, we pioneered yet another launch in the category: Frescal Minas Cream. In 2015, we launched the Tirolez Zero Lactose line so that everyone can enjoy the taste of cheese without restrictions. In the following years, with the addition of three more products, it became the most complete line of lactose-free cheeses in Brazil, featuring Mozzarella, Prato, Minas Frescal, Minas Padrão, Cottage, Requeijão, Ricotta Cream, and Tirolez Butter cheeses. And it doesn't stop there. In 2023, we launched the Mozzarella Stick with 7.5g of protein, equivalent to one egg. Practical, tasty, and healthy, to have on hand at any time of day.
Today
Better with each cheese
We are constantly evolving and, in 2025, we will celebrate 45 years of a history that we are very proud of. We repositioned our brand, reinforcing the tradition and quality of our products, connecting flavors and experiences to always bring the best cheese to consumers' tables. Our character has also been modernized. Named 'Sr. Minas', he is a Tirolez cheesemake at Tirolez, and he will interact with consumers, clients, and stakeholders across various platforms and at different times. Tirolez. Better with each cheese.
