Five Canary Islands Cheeses Win World Awards

Five of the world's best cheeses come from the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. These five island-made cheeses were named top in their categories at the famous World Cheese Awards, often called the "Oscars of cheese." Producers from Tenerife, La Palma, and El Hierro can be proud that their cheeses are among the best globally.

The World Cheese Awards is the most respected cheese competition worldwide. This event happens every year and is organized by the British group, Guild of Fine Food. The awards bring together hundreds of experts, shop owners, food critics, and producers from all over the world. They taste thousands of cheeses in just one day.

Each year, a special jury gives out Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Super Gold medals. They also pick one cheese as the "Best Cheese in the World." This year, that top prize went to a Gruyère cheese from Switzerland.

Winning an award at the World Cheese Awards gives producers a big boost internationally because of the recognition and prestige it brings.

Quesería Montesdeoca was the first producer to win two medals. This well-known Canary Islands producer received bronze medals for two unique cheeses: their semi-cured smoked cow and goat cheese, and their cured mixed cow and goat cheese with a gofio coating. Based in Adeje, these cheeses have helped put Tenerife on the global map.

On the island of La Palma, Granja Las Cuevas cheese dairy won a silver medal for its 8-month aged cheese and a bronze medal for its paprika cheese. Both are made with milk from Palmera goats. This La Palma company's handmade cheeses have also won awards at other competitions, like Agrocanarias 2025, where they earned several gold medals.

The island of El Hierro also received an award, thanks to Central Lechera El Herreño. This company won a bronze medal for its Smoked Herreño Tender Cheese.

You can buy all these award-winning cheeses in special shops in the province and in some supermarkets that sell gourmet foods.

Once again, the World Cheese Awards have highlighted the excellent food products from these islands.