26 Lanzarote cheeses compete in Agrocanarias 2026 awards

Twenty-six cheeses from Lanzarote are among the 264 entries competing in the Official Agrocanarias 2026 Cheese Competition, a record-breaking edition that has attracted significantly more producers and products from across the Canary Islands.

This year’s competition has seen an 18.4% increase in entries compared with 2025 and a 58.1% rise since 2023. A total of 85 cheese producers are taking part, including seven from Lanzarote.

Gran Canaria has entered the largest number of cheeses with 102, followed by La Palma (51), Tenerife (43), Fuerteventura (36) and Lanzarote (26). El Hierro has entered four cheeses and La Gomera two.

Blind tasting

The cheeses are judged through a blind tasting process, with specialist judges assessing each sample without knowing its producer or origin.

Entries are divided into categories based on factors including the type of milk used, whether it is raw or pasteurised, the level of maturation and the style of production, with awards ranging from fresh goat’s cheese to blue cheese.

As well as Gold, Silver and Grand Gold medals, the competition will name the Best Cheese of the Canary Islands, along with awards for the best organic cheese, limited-production cheese and product presentation.

Special prizes will also be awarded for the Best Popular Cheese, chosen by a consumer panel, and the Children’s Jury Award, selected by primary school pupils in La Palma.

Winning cheeses will receive promotional support from the ICCA, including the right to display the official award logo for one year. All accepted entries will also have their registration and transport costs covered for the 2027 Gourmets Cheese Championship in Madrid.