As Spain continues to solidify its reputation as a global gastronomic powerhouse, the results of the 2025 World Cheese Awards have given expats and locals alike a new reason to celebrate. Held for the first time in Switzerland, the "Oscars of the Cheese World" saw Spanish cheesemakers defy the home-turf advantage of the Swiss to bring home a staggering haul of medals.
For the readership of Eye on Spain, who know that a good meal starts with the best local ingredients, here is the breakdown of Spain’s big wins and what to look for at your local charcutería.
The "Super Gold" Elite
Out of over 5,000 entries from 46 countries, only 110 cheeses were awarded the prestigious Super Gold—the highest possible distinction. Spain claimed an impressive 20 of these spots.
Notable winners included:
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Catalonia’s Rising Stars: L'ovella del Pirineu and Sarró de búfala proved that Catalan sheep and buffalo milk cheeses are world-class.
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Castilla y León Dominance: From Palencia, Quesos Cerrato won for their "Umami" cheese, while Valladolid’s Quesos Quevedo struck gold with their aptly named Queso Adictivo.
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Andalusian Excellence: Cádiz continues to be a hotspot for boutique dairy, with Quesos Pajarete’s semi-cured goat cheese taking a Super Gold.
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Extremadura's Tradition: The region's raw goat milk cheese (Curado de cabra leche cruda) and the Oveja al romero Gran Reserva (rosemary-crusted sheep cheese) were standout winners.
The Most Decorated: Quesos El Bosqueño
If you are looking for a brand that consistently delivers, look no further than Quesos El Bosqueño from the Sierra de Grazalema (Cádiz). They became the most-awarded Spanish dairy of the 2025 competition, bagging 20 medals in total. Their experimental infusions—such as sheep cheese cured in aged rum and goat cheese with Oloroso sherry wine—continue to push the boundaries of traditional Spanish cheesemaking.
A New Honor: The “Es La Leche” Award
The 2025 awards introduced a new category celebrating the foundation of all great cheese: the milk. The inaugural Es La Leche Award was presented to Galician producer Airas Moniz. This award recognises their commitment to sustainable herding and the exceptional quality of the milk from their Jersey cows, highlighting the move toward eco-conscious farming in Spain.
Shopping Guide: What to Look For
Beyond the Super Golds, several other Spanish staples performed brilliantly:
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Mahón-Menorca DOP: This Menorcan classic picked up 10 medals across its various producers, proving its consistency.
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Blue Cheeses: For fans of the "stinky stuff," keep an eye out for Azul de Bunker (Aragón) and the famous Valdeón blue from Queserías Picos de Europa, both of which took home Gold.
Looking Ahead: The Awards are Coming to Spain!
While the Swiss dominated the top podium this year, the tide may turn in 2026. The World Cheese Awards Super Jury announced that the next edition of the competition will be held in Córdoba, Andalusia.
For those living in or visiting Spain, this is the perfect excuse to explore the "Cheese Routes" of the peninsula. Whether it’s the smoky Idiazabal of the north or the creamy Torta del Casar of the west, Spain’s cheese scene has never been more vibrant—or more globally recognised.
** Pro Tip for Expats: Many of these award-winning cheeses can be found in the gourmet sections of El Corte Inglés or specialised local queserías. Look for the World Cheese Awards seal on the packaging to ensure you're tasting a world champion!