Piumhi Cheeses Earn Nine Medals at International ExpoQueijo Brasil 2026 Competition
Producers from Piumhi, Minas Gerais, achieved significant success at the ExpoQueijo Brasil 2026, an international cheese competition held in Araxá. The town's cheesemakers secured a total of nine medals: two gold, four silver, and three bronze. The event, which took place from June 25th to 28th, showcased nearly a thousand cheeses from 19 different countries. Piumhi's awards spanned various categories, including aged artisanal cheeses, buffalo milk products, and requeijões (a type of Brazilian cream cheese).
Gold medals were awarded to Queijos Divino’s for their Smoked Cheese aged over 30 days in the Flavored/Seasoned Pasteurized Milk Cheese category, and for their Requeijão with shavings in the Bar Requeijão category. Silver medals recognized Queijo do Serjão's Canastra cheese (Raw Milk Cheese with Rind, aged under 30 days), Laticínios Van-Ita's Buffalo Mozzarella Balls (Raw or Pasteurized Buffalo Milk Cheese, Filata), Frios Imperador's Smoked Fresh Provolone (Provolone or Provolone-Type Cheeses), and Frios Imperador's Bar Requeijão. Bronze medals were claimed by Queijo do Serjão for their Canastra cheese (Raw Milk Cheese with Rind, aged 31-90 days), Vila Caipira for their Zero Lactose Minas Padrão (Pasteurized Milk Cheese with Smooth/Washed Rind, aged under 15 days), and Vila Caipira again for their Buffalo Minas Padrão (Raw or Pasteurized Buffalo Milk Cheese, Non-Filata).
This event highlights the growing international recognition of Brazilian artisanal cheese production, particularly from regions like Minas Gerais. The success at ExpoQueijo Brasil 2026 suggests a maturing industry capable of meeting diverse global quality standards. Future developments may involve increased export opportunities and the potential for Piumhi to become a more prominent brand in the international dairy market. Examining the award categories reveals a focus on traditional and specialty products, indicating a strategic approach to market differentiation. The competition also underscores the role of organizations like Sebrae in supporting small and medium-sized producers in achieving global competitiveness, aligning with broader economic development goals.
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