Brazil Dominates ExpoQueijo 2026 with Artisan Cheese Excellence

Brazil reaffirmed its position as a leader in the artisanal cheese industry by winning the top prize at ExpoQueijo Brasil – Araxá International Cheese Awards 2026. The prestigious Super Oro 2026 was awarded to the Queijo Maranata Ouro, produced by Rancho Maranata in Minas Gerais. This cheese, made from raw Jersey cow milk and matured for nine months, stood out among 1,100 entries from 19 countries across America and Europe.

Alejandro Thomas, a fromelier and columnist for Diario Lechero, was part of the international jury that evaluated the cheeses. He emphasized that this year's ExpoQueijo highlighted the exceptional progress of Latin American artisanal cheesemaking.

The judges noted an increased territorial identity, better raw material management, and precise maturation processes among the cheeses, with sensory quality comparable to well-known European producers. Brazil won the Super Oro for the second consecutive year, while Peru also earned numerous medals, reflecting the impact of public policies promoting artisanal cheese production.

According to Thomas, Brazil's success results from long-term strategies involving collaboration between producers, state governments, universities, and research centers to enhance cheese quality and regional heritage. Peru has been developing its artisanal cheese sector for over 15 years through training, national competitions, and commercial promotion.

Chile also participated in the ExpoQueijo, though Thomas noted room for growth in their international strategy. Coordination of event calendars could facilitate Chilean cheeses' participation in global contests like ExpoQueijo and the upcoming World Cheese Awards in Córdoba, Spain.

These competitions are not only about awards but also serve as tools for improving quality, providing technical feedback, and building consumer and buyer confidence. Thomas stated that Chilean artisanal cheesemaking has the talent, diversity, and potential to gain international recognition, pending a national strategy to elevate its status.

ExpoQueijo 2026 has sent a clear message to the regional dairy industry: Latin American artisanal cheeses are now competing at the highest level and are beginning to establish themselves as key players in the international market.