Spanish Cheeses Take Home 566 Awards at World Cheese Awards in Wales

The World Cheese Awards just wrapped up last week at the International Convention Centre Wales, in Newport.

This international event welcomed more than 4,300 cheese from 40 different countries. They were judged by retailers, food commentator, procurement managers, and cheesemakers from all over the world. Spain performed extremely well at this event, with 566 of its cheese taking home some type of distinction: 17 supergold, 95 gold, 172 silver, and 282 bronze awards.

The World Champion Cheese went to the Le Gruyère AOP surchoix, from Swiss cheesemaer Vorderfultigen and affineur Gourmino. In the top 16 finalists there was one from Spain: Pata de Mulo Curado, from Los Payuelos, a raw sheep’s milk cheese.

The following cheeses from Spain received the Supergold distinction: Quesos Artesanos Villarejo SL for its honey and oregano artisan Villarejo cheese; Lactalis Forlasa SLU, for its 12T-mix cured cheese; Quesos Bolaños, for its Pajonales Curado Bolaños; Brindisa Tld for Puigpedrós; Sat Vega de San Martin, for its cured Vega de San Martin cheese; Ojos del Guadiana, for its cheese of the same name; Quesos El Bosqueño SL, for its El Bosqueño goat’s cheese cured in Amontillado wine; Adiano, for its PDO Viejo artisan Manchego cheese; Queso Artesanal’s YBLEU cheese from los Payuelos; Alimentias EMC’s 5 Q’s Sherry Cask cheese; Quesería El de Sereix, for its Queso Joven; Finca de Uga SL for its Bodega Oveja cheese; Finca Buenavista Ribera, for its Buenavista sheep’s cheese; Enaquesa, for its Ahuyentalobos La Cabrera; Betara SL for its organic Betara cow cheese; and World Fruits Company SL, for its Hacienda Guijosa cheese.

All in all, it was a very successful competition for Spanish cheese makers and their delicious creations.