The Government of the Canary Islands, through the Canarian Institute for Agri-food Quality (ICCA) and Proexca, has organized the participation of cheese dairies from the Islands in this prestigious international competition. The objective is to promote Canary productions, strengthen their market positioning, and foster new commercial opportunities.
As a novelty for the 2026 call, the ICCA covers the registration and logistics costs for participating cheese dairies, in addition to providing technical assistance. Of the 144 cheeses registered through this service, 39 are from Gran Canaria, 38 from Tenerife, 23 from Fuerteventura, 21 from La Palma, 21 from Lanzarote, and two from El Hierro. These are joined by five creations presented by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria.
Among the participating products are cheeses protected by the Archipelago's three protected designations of origin: Queso Majorero, Queso Palmero, and Queso de Flor de Guía y Queso de Guía. The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food Sovereignty, Narvay Quintero, highlighted the importance of these events for showcasing the quality and uniqueness of Canary cheeses, as well as for establishing commercial contacts.
Participation in the festival includes a 15-square-meter exhibition space promoting 264 products from 85 Canary companies, including 66 award-winning productions from the Official Agrocanarias 2026 Cheese Competition. Additionally, an educational tasting session has been organized to introduce the richness of the Archipelago's creations.
Proexca, along with departments from the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, the Pájara City Council, and the C de Canarias educational project, has organized a business mission to Cordoba for Fuerteventura farmers and cheesemakers, aiming to exchange experiences and explore business opportunities. The agenda includes technical visits to cheese dairies and olive oil mills in the province.
The Cabildo of Gran Canaria and the Association of Gran Canaria Cheese Dairies (ASOQUEGRAN) have coordinated the attendance of around 25 professionals and representatives from the island's cheese dairies. The World Cheese Awards, organized by the Guild of Fine Food, brings together 5,330 cheeses from 45 countries and 271 international judges.
