The European Cheese Route Association celebrates the recognition earned by two of its member municipalities, Vilalba and Villaluenga del Rosario, in the 2025 Spain Food Awards for Best Cheeses, granted by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. These awards, considered among the most prestigious in Spain’s agri-food sector, acknowledge the excellence of the best cheeses produced in the country.

This year’s edition, marked by a high level of participation and a rigorous technical and sensory evaluation process, awarded the cheese Don Crisanto, protected under the San Simón da Costa PDO and produced in Vilalba (Lugo), in two categories: Best Mature Cow’s Milk Cheese and the Special Spain Food Award for Best Cheese 2025, having obtained the highest score across all entries. This double recognition confirms the strength and prestige of a cheesemaker that combines traditional techniques with a firm commitment to quality and a strong position in specialized markets.

Likewise, Quesería Payoyo, located in the Andalusian municipality of Villaluenga del Rosario (Cádiz), was recognized for Best Mature Mixed Milk Cheese. This award highlights more than two decades of dedication to the artisanal production of goat and sheep cheeses. The winning product, the result of deep respect for the natural environment and traditional craftsmanship, has become a national and international benchmark of Andalusian cheese excellence.

In total, 135 cheeses from across Spain took part in this edition, competing in five categories: mature cow’s milk, sheep’s milk, goat’s milk, mixed milk, and mould-ripened or blue cheese. The selection process included strict physicochemical and microbiological testing, along with a blind sensory evaluation conducted by a panel of expert tasters.

From the European Cheese Route, which brings together municipalities with a strong cheese-making tradition, this recognition is viewed as a testament to the positive impact of territorial cooperation around cheese as a cultural, gastronomic and sustainable development resource. The prominent presence of two member municipalities among the winners confirms the strength and potential of local strategies that prioritize quality, authenticity, and rootedness in the territory.

“The presence of two municipalities from our network among the winners confirms that cheese is more than food: it is part of the living heritage of our territories — a link between tradition, innovation, and sustainable development,” stated Javier Sánchez, Coordinator of the Route’s Technical Secretariat.

The European Cheese Route Association is a transnational cooperation network currently composed of around twenty members united by a common feature: their historical, cultural, and economic connection to cheese-making. Its mission is to promote cheese as a symbol of local identity, a driver of rural economic development, and a top-level tourist attraction. To this end, it organizes joint events, themed tourism circuits, educational activities, and promotional campaigns that position cheese as a high-quality artisanal product.

The network also acts as a platform for sharing best practices and technical knowledge among cheesemakers, local stakeholders, institutions, and professionals in the sector. Its work is based on values such as sustainability, respect for artisanal production, support for native livestock breeds, and the promotion of rural areas.

The Spain Food Awards, established in 1987, are presented annually to products and companies that contribute to positioning Spain as a global leader in food quality. The official award ceremony will take place this coming autumn, during an institutional event attended by producers, sector representatives, and government authorities.

These recognitions are part of the campaign “The Richest Country in the World”, an initiative aimed at showcasing the diversity, quality, and richness of Spain’s agri-food sector.