Initially, the economy of the country was based on agriculture and the first industries used local agricultural products: dairy products which also led to the introduction of chocolate making for example.
As Bulle is the point to which all the adjacent valleys lesad, il very soon became the area's business center and continues to develp and thrive.
Agriculture and cattle raising
Cattle raising and dairy products still represent themain source of income for the farmers of the area which is situated at an altitude of about 700 m. (2,200ft). THe reputation of the quality of the local dairy and cattle products is world-wide and is due to the fertility of the soil and the experience of the farmers.
The food industrie
Directly linked to agriculture, the food industrie in the area is still the chief industry. Most of the local milk is processed on the spot either in the small cheese factories which produce the famous "Gruyère AOC" and the "Vacherin Fribourgeois AOC" cheeses or into milk powder. The production of chocolate and its use of milk was begun in 1898 and the first Nestlé factory was built here in the village of Broc.
The timber industry
The forests of La Gruyère are among the largest of the country. Over the last centura, many saw mills and planin mills have developed, not to mention factories producing furniture and kitchen equipment. The latter is a more recent development.
Mechanical industry
Heavier industry now produces machinery, engines and ball-bearings,... These various industries have helped to provide new jobs and a wider scope of activities for the people of the area.
The services
La Gruyère has solid, well-structured, competitive services to offer shopping centres, banks and insurances.
