The Rise of Queijo Minas Artesanal from Brazil to Global Acclaim

Fazenda Maria Nunes, located in Brazil, is renowned for its production of Queijo Minas Artesanal, a cheese crafted using traditional methods. The cheese is made exclusively from raw milk, 'pingo', rennet, and salt, with milk processed directly after milking, preserving its natural characteristics.

The farm's cheese gained significant recognition starting in 2018 when it won a bronze medal at the III Prêmio Queijo Brasil during Semana Mesa SP. The following year, the cheese was awarded a silver medal in France, competing against approximately 900 entries from over 20 countries. It later received a gold medal at the Mondial du Fromage et des Produits Laitiers de Tours.

Christiane, the current leader of the farm, works alongside her daughter and granddaughter, maintaining a family-oriented approach to cheese production. The farm prioritizes the health of its cattle, conducting daily monitoring and regular health tests.

The name Maria Nunes pays homage to the wife of a former landowner, preserving the property's history through the product. The farm has expanded its activities to include tours for visitors interested in the cheese-making process of the Serro region.

Christiane represents the fifth generation of her family involved in agriculture, and she is the first woman to lead the farm's production. She emphasizes the importance of continuing the family tradition and hopes to pass it on to future generations.