Vorarlberg – Our Home
The cheesemaking heritage of Vorarlberg in Austria dates back to the Middle Ages. The first documented alpine dairies can be traced to as early as 1240, marking the origins of what is today known as Vorarlberger Alpkäse PDO.
Over the centuries, this evolved into the traditional Three-Stage Alpine Farming practised throughout the Bregenzerwald and other valleys of Vorarlberg. Recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this sustainable way of farming continues to shape the region to this day.
Vorarlberg cheese was traded far beyond the region from an early stage. Historic trade routes carried it into Switzerland and southern Germany, helping to establish its reputation and making it one of the best-known cheese specialities of the Alpine region.
Alma
The Bregenzerwald woman in her original white traditional dress is the oldest brand symbol in the Austrian dairy and cheese industry. For generations, she has represented the close connection between people, nature and traditional craftsmanship, embodying the unique cheesemaking culture of Vorarlberg.
The Bregenzerwald traditional costume is a symbol of regional identity and living heritage. With its intricate details and exceptional craftsmanship, it reflects the values of tradition, quality and provenance that continue to shape the region today.
As Alma’s brand symbol, the Alma cheesemaker represents the close partnership between regional dairies, cooperatives and family farms. Visitors interested in the history of this remarkable costume will find the Juppenwerkstatt Riefensberg well worth a visit. Here, the traditional women’s dress of the Bregenzerwald is still handcrafted and preserved using time-honoured techniques.
The Alma cheesemaker embodies the values that have defined Alma for generations: authenticity, craftsmanship and the pure enjoyment of cheese from the Alps of Vorarlberg.
Austrian Cheese Culture – refined since 1921
For more than 100 years, Alma has stood for authentic cheesemaking heritage from Vorarlberg (Austria). Founded in 1921 as a cooperative of dairies from the Bregenzerwald region, Alma was born from a shared ambition: to bring the exceptional quality of local cheeses to markets far beyond the borders of Vorarlberg.
Alma’s roots are deeply intertwined with the culture and history of the Bregenzerwald. As early as the 19th century, the Vorarlberg social reformer and writer Franz Michael Felder championed cooperation among farmers and a strong regional agricultural economy – values that continue to shape Alma’s identity to this day.
In 1925, Alma made Austrian cheese history by becoming the first company in the country to produce processed cheese. At the same time, the brand remained true to its origins: exceptional cheese, traditional recipes and genuine cheesemaking craftsmanship have defined Alma ever since.
Over the decades, a regional dairy cooperative evolved into one of Austria’s best-known cheese brands. Its success is built on traditional craftsmanship, premium Hay Milk TSG, protected cheeses with designated origins, and close partnerships with the mountain and alpine dairies of Vorarlberg. Since 2008, Alma has been part of the Privatkäserei Rupp, combining its rich heritage with a modern premium approach to cheesemaking.
The Fascination of the Bregenzerwald
Today, the Bregenzerwald is regarded as one of Austria’s most captivating regions. Alongside its rich cheesemaking heritage, it is renowned far beyond the country’s borders for its outstanding architecture. Here, contemporary timber architecture, traditional craftsmanship and innovative design blend seamlessly with the alpine landscape to create a unique sense of place.
This combination of heritage, craftsmanship and innovation continues to shape Alma today. Deeply rooted in the cheesemaking culture of Vorarlberg, the brand embodies the idea that tradition is not something of the past, but something that can be lived, preserved and reimagined for future generations.