Zuheros Cheese Factory Wins Gold at Spain's Best Cheeses Championship
The Sujaira cheese from Los Balanchares, made with organic raw goat's milk, has been recognized at the 16th edition of GourmetQuesos.
By Rafael Ortega Camacho
••2 min read
IA
Generic image of cured cheese in a traditional cellar.
The Los Balanchares cheese factory in Zuheros has achieved the highest award at the 16th edition of GourmetQuesos, the Championship of the Best Cheeses of Spain 2026, solidifying the Subbética's reputation as a top gastronomic destination.
The organic raw goat's milk cured cheese, Sujaira, produced by Los Balanchares in Zuheros, has been awarded gold in the prestigious competition held at the 39th Salón Gourmets. This award highlights the quality and effort of local production.
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"It represents recognition for a job well done from the very beginning. First and foremost, to our farmers, who produce the best raw material for our cheeses. Followed by the magnificent team of people who give their best every day in our company."
The uniqueness of this cheese lies in the use of goat's milk from their own farms, managed organically and with controlled grazing in the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park. This is complemented by over 30 years of experience from the master cheesemaker and his team.
The production combines the tradition of ancestral recipes from Zuheros with modern facilities that guarantee quality and hygiene. Working with raw milk requires extreme care, ensuring that the process relies on the development of positive bacteria for an exceptional product.
The natural environment of the Subbética is a key factor, as grazing in the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park provides unique organoleptic qualities. Consumer satisfaction is the main objective, seeking a balance of aroma, flavor, and texture that invites tasting.
Animal welfare and organic production are fundamental to the final quality of the product. Proper management and a healthy, organic diet for the goats result in high-quality milk, which translates into exceptional aromas and flavors in the cheese.
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"This award signifies the responsibility to continue giving our customers our best. To maintain the standard and not disappoint the expectations of those who choose our offering."