The Charolais breed was identified during the Middle Ages on the Charollais and Brionnais farmlands. It was chosen by the breeders of these regions for its strong, lean, muscle structure and exceptional growth potential. These traits were desirable all over the world in the first quarter of the 20th century. This was enhanced by the medical community's recommendation for leaner diets and the development of refrigeration, which made it unnecessary to have a layer of fat on the carcasses to preserve them during transportation.

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Emile Maurice was the first breeder to understand the potential of the breed and during the 1950s spent lavishly to make the Charolais breed known in Europe and throughout the world. His sense of diplomacy and negotiation, his knowledge of the English and Spanish languages, his moral standing and acquired experience would make him the true ambassador for the Charolais breed for many years.

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His efforts successfully resulted in the exportation of Charolais breeding stock to numerous countries and the creation of a Charolais breeders association wherever the original core group was of sufficient size. In 1964, Emile Maurice proposed the creation of an International Federation of these association which would take the name of FIAERBC (Fédération Internationale des Associations d'Eleveurs de Charolais). In 1999, this federation would modernize its statutes and take the name of Charolais International. The object of the organization is to:

a. exchange the results of mutual experiences in the field of all breeding problems

b. harmonize operating methods in the field of selection

c. promote the exchange of breeding animals

d. co-operate with organizations for research in all countries

e. centralize reciprocal information and spread it

f. study and promote the Charolais breed

g. generally represent the interests of the Charolais breed throughout the world.