Le Creuset turns 100

Elinor Sheridan looks back at a century of colourful cookware from Le Creuset and reveals how a small foundry in France became a global phenomenon…

In 1925 in the quiet French village of Fresnoy-le-Grand in Hauts-de-France, a cookware revolution quietly took place when two Belgian pioneers – Armand Desaegher, a master caster, and Octave Aubecq, an enamelling expert-joined forces. Their mission? To transform cookware forever. Their creation, Le Creuset, made its debut with a striking orange cocotte, which, inspired by the fiery glow of molten cast iron, they named ‘Flame’. It was to set the tone for a century of colourful innovation.

SMALL BEGINNINGS

By the 1950s, Le Creuset was already winning hearts across the Atlantic, with half its production heading to the US (although all its cast-iron products are still made at the original location). The brand’s allure reached new heights in the 1960s, thanks to a touch of Hollywood glamour in the form of Marilyn Monroe, who owned a 12-piece set in the now-retired Élysée Yellow. This celebrity endorsement helped solidify Le Creuset’s place in kitchens and hearts worldwide.

But what makes Le Creuset stand out in a sea of stylish cookware? Its uncompromising dedication to quality for one thing: each piece undergoes six inspections, with an estimated 30% of items rejected for imperfections. The result? Cookware as flawless as it is functional.

COLOURFUL INSPIRATION

Though Flame remains a fan favourite, Le Creuset now offers a dazzling palette of 24 colours, ranging from soothing white to dark liquorice. Retired colours are highly collectible. Cerise, a classic cherry red, and Marseille, a deep blue, have remained popular for decades. For those seeking a pop of warmth, Dijon, a mustard yellow, and Nectar, a sunny yellow-orange, are beloved choices. Coastal Blue, a softer, muted tone, and Matte Navy, a sophisticated dark blue, cater to more subdued tastes, while Fig, a rich purple, offers a unique and bold option. For neutrals lovers there’s Oyster, a versatile light grey, and Artichaut, an earthy green. Le Creuset also frequently releases limited-edition and seasonal colours.

A NEW GENERATION

As Le Creuset celebrates its 100th birthday, the brand is winning over a new audience on social media. On TikTok alone, the hashtag LeCreuset has garnered more than 60m views. Younger generations, especially Zillennials, see owning a Le Creuset piece as a symbol of adulthood and culinary sophistication. For many, it’s not just a pot or pan-it’s a rite of passage.

Under the leadership of owner Paul van Zuydam, the brand is striving to hit $1bn in annual sales in its anniversary year. But beyond the numbers lies a deeper legacy: the countless meals cooked, family traditions forged and kitchens transformed by Le Creuset. From cherished heirlooms to Insta-worthy centrepieces, these colourful pots and pans are more than tools-they’re a part of life’s most delicious moments.

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Lead photo credit : Le Creuset Bräter Rund Chambray