Canary Islands Cheeses Triumph on World Stage
Five of the world’s best cheeses are produced in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The prestigious World Cheese Awards, often called the Oscars of the cheese world, have recognised five productions from the islands as the best in their respective categories. Producers from Tenerife, La Palma and El Hierro can be proud that their cheeses are now ranked among the planet’s finest.
The Prestigious World Cheese Awards
The World Cheese Awards is the most prestigious global cheese competition. This annual event is organised by the British association, the Guild of Fine Food. The WCW brings together hundreds of experts, retailers, food critics and producers from around the world to judge thousands of cheeses in a single day of tasting. In each edition, a specialist jury awards Bronze, Silver, Gold and Super Gold medals, in addition to choosing the overall winner as the “World’s Best Cheese”, which this year was a Swiss Gruyère. Being awarded at the World Cheese Awards provides an international boost for any producer, given the recognition and prestige it carries.
Award-Winning Producers and Their Cheeses
The first producer to take home two medals was Quesería Montesdeoca. One of the most famous producers in the Canaries received accolades for its smoked semi-cured cow and goat’s milk cheese and for its cured mixed cow and goat’s milk cheese coated in gofio (toasted grain flour). Both original creations won a bronze medal. Based in Adeje, these cheeses have taken the name of Tenerife around the world.
On the island of La Palma, the cheese dairy Granja Las Cuevas secured a silver medal and a bronze for its 8-month cured cheese and its paprika cheese, respectively, both made with Palmera goat’s milk. The artisanal products from this Palmeran company have been recognised in several competitions such as Agrocanarias 2025, where they won several gold medals.
The final island to receive an award was El Hierro, thanks to the Central Lechera El Herreño. This company won the bronze medal for its Queso Herreño Tierno Ahumado (Tender Smoked Herreño Cheese). All of these cheeses can be purchased in specialist shops across the province and in some supermarkets with gourmet product ranges.
Recognition for Island Gastronomy
The World Cheese Awards have once again recognised the excellence of the islands’ gastronomy for another year.
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