What's Happening?
The V Livestock, Agriculture, and Fishing Fair of Teguise recently hosted the awards ceremony for the V Lanzarote Island Cheese Competition, known as 'Empleita de Oro'. This event is a significant part of the fair's program, emphasizing the quality and tradition
of Lanzarote's cheese dairies. The competition featured a panel of expert tasters who evaluated various cheese samples across categories such as fresh, semi-soft, semi-hard, and hard cheeses, made from both raw and pasteurized milk. The event is supported by the Canary Institute of Agri-food Quality (ICCA) to promote local products and support the island's cheese industry. The top honor, the Empleita de Oro 2026 for Best Cheese of Lanzarote, was awarded to Quesería El Faro for its cured pasteurized milk cheese. The fair also included other activities like exhibitions, tastings, and workshops to engage the public with the primary sector.
Why It's Important?
This event highlights the importance of supporting local agriculture and dairy industries, which are crucial to Lanzarote's economy and cultural heritage. By recognizing and promoting high-quality local products, the competition helps sustain the island's cheese dairies and encourages the consumption of locally produced goods. This not only benefits the producers but also strengthens the local economy by keeping the production and consumption cycle within the community. The fair serves as a platform for showcasing the island's agricultural capabilities and traditions, potentially attracting tourism and investment in the local food industry.
What's Next?
The fair will continue with a series of activities designed to engage the public and further promote the primary sector. These include exhibitions, tastings, workshops, and horse racing, all aimed at bringing the community closer to the island's agricultural roots. The ongoing support from local government and organizations like the ICCA suggests a continued focus on promoting and developing Lanzarote's agricultural and dairy sectors. Future fairs and competitions are likely to build on this momentum, further enhancing the visibility and reputation of Lanzarote's cheese industry.
