Manta hosts Manabí cheese festival featuring local producers

The Manabí Cheese Festival, held in Manta near the Mall del Pacífico, resulted in the sale of approximately 400 pounds of cheese. The event brought together producers from various cantons across the Manabí province to showcase and commercialize artisanal cheeses and related dairy products.

Local entrepreneurs participated with diverse offerings. Israel Mieles from Santa Ana reported selling his entire stock of 70 pounds, which included specialty flavors such as jalapeño, pizza, and pepper. Other participants, such as Ángel Pinargote from El Carmen, offered traditional items including cow butter, salprieta, and crushed peanuts.

In addition to the commercial aspect, the festival promoted regional gastronomy and supported small-scale producers. The event also featured the film ‘Relatos y secretos del queso chonero’, which recently won first place in the Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship category at the Food Film Menu 2026 and is currently seeking international public recognition.