The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, has participated in a meeting with representatives of the organization of the ‘World Cheese Awards’ 2026, the largest global competition for this food. Fernández-Pacheco has highlighted «Andalusia’s ability to make a mark in the history of this international competition,» pointing out that «hosting the competition in 2026 is an unbeatable opportunity to allow millions of cheese lovers around the world to get to know the excellence of Andalusian products, in general, and Cordovan products in particular.»
In addition, the Minister emphasized that «the Junta is aware of the importance of taking care of what we have nearby because it is ours, and also taking care of what we have far away because it enables our growth.» In this regard, Fernández-Pacheco cited the increase seen in the exports of food and beverages from Andalusia «thanks to more consumers choosing our products because they know they are synonymous with excellence.» Andalusian agri-food exports exceeded €15.8 billion in 2024; and in the case of cheese, these sales brought in more than €76.5 million to the autonomous community. Moreover, in 2024, food and beverage exports from the province of Córdoba amounted to nearly €1.5 billion, of which more than €970,000 corresponded to the marketing of cheeses abroad.
Regarding the peculiarities of the region’s cheeses, the Minister emphasized the artisanal production by professionals who «know very well that making cheese goes beyond gathering milk and curdling it, that dedicating oneself to this work is part of a way of life that we want to preserve here to not lose a rich tradition that Andalusia has had for time immemorial.» «But this does not mean that we do not progress and innovate,» he added while explaining that Andalusian agri-industry is committed to «modernization and the implementation of new advances that allow us to make the most of natural resources and continue generating opportunities in rural areas with environmental, economic, and social sustainability.»
Andalusian Sector
Andalusia currently has around 170 industries dedicated to milk processing, with a particular focus on cheese production and small businesses, which account for over 90% of these agri-industries. In the case of Córdoba, the province is home to 15 artisanal cheese factories.
Regarding milk, the production in the Andalusian autonomous community exceeds 750,000 tons. Additionally, this region is a national and European leader in goat milk production.