Brazilian Cheese Festivals Showcase Artisanal Excellence

Professor Neila Richards of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul served as an international juror at the ExpoQueijo Brazil – Araxá International Cheese Awards 2026, held in Araxá (MG) from 25‑28 June. The competition displayed about 1,100 cheeses from 19 countries and awarded the top prize to the Maranata Ouro cheese from Minas Gerais. Richards highlighted the growing technical standards and territorial identity of Latin American artisanal cheeses, noting that “os concursos internacionais são instrumentos de aprendizado, intercâmbio técnico e valorização dos produtores.”

The 3rd Festival do Queijo e Produtos Lácteos in Mato Grosso took place on 3‑4 July 2026 at the Centro de Eventos do Pantanal in Cuiabá. Organized by the state government and partners, the event featured a fair, workshops, a cooking show, and a cheese competition aimed at strengthening family‑farm dairy production and expanding market opportunities. Secretary of Agriculture Andreia Fujioka called the festival “uma vitrine da qualidade da produção da agricultura familiar de Mato Grosso.” Producer Ana Maria de Freitas, who earned Siapp certification, reported that recent international medals have opened new commercial doors for her cheese.

Both events underline Brazil’s effort to promote artisanal dairy products, improve quality standards, and increase the visibility of regional cheese makers on the international stage.