A Mato Grosso cheesemaker explored Brazilian cheeses’ potential in France

Sandra began making fresh cheeses and doce de leite with limited quantities of milk. Requeijão was also among her early products, based on recipes learned from an aunt. Positive responses to the food led her to consider turning the activity into a business.

She later pursued training, created new recipes and organised the microenterprise with support from Sebrae. The business adopted the name Pé de Queijo after an earlier brand failed to establish itself. In 2024, Pé de Queijo won the gold category at Brazil’s third World Cheese Championship. Requeijão, now the company’s main product, is also its most decorated one.

An experience in France expanded Sandra’s view of the possibilities for Brazilian cheese production. She said that areas whose climate is unsuitable for certain forms of dairy production could adapt their methods to make quality cheeses. “We can grow a lot in this place, which is very vast,” she said of the Brazilian market and its potential.

The international contact also involved professional training. Sandra said Mons Formation, known as Maison Mons, was considering creating courses aimed at Brazilians. The possibility emerged after her contact with the international cheese-making environment.

Pé de Queijo currently processes 100 litres of milk a day. The couple who run the business plans to reach 300 litres daily but does not intend to exceed that level, citing the importance of maintaining the production’s artisanal character. The company buys its milk from producers in the local community at prices it considers better than those offered by larger dairies. It is also planning to raise its own dairy cows to control the origin of the milk.

The company has broadened its range beyond cheese. It makes doce de leite flavoured with coffee and lemon, and offers tastings by appointment, including burrata with dried meat, cheese paired with sweets and cheese ceviche. Its first shop opened in the Roda D’Água district near Bom Jardim, in Nobres, bringing together product sales and tasting experiences. At the Nobres Gastronomic Fair, organised by Sebrae with the municipal government, Pé de Queijo presented its products and a bacon-wrapped coalho-cheese skewer that attracted strong demand.