The provincial institution has its own space to exhibit olive oils, honeys, sauces, legumes, jams, quinces, and products from the province's Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) areas. The president of the Diputación, Salvador Fuentes, highlighted the importance of the event, which attracts 10,000 accredited participants and 5,330 cheeses for the world's best cheese selection, with representation from 50 countries and 400 expert judges.
Fuentes indicated that ten cheeses from the province of Córdoba have serious expectations of being awarded in this international competition, which signifies a global projection for Córdoba and Andalucía. He also emphasized the role of the PDOs and the potential of these sessions for knowledge transfer, innovation, and the centralization of commercial offerings.
The festival, which brings together over 5,000 cheeses from 44 countries and around 300 international judges, evaluates products based on aroma, texture, appearance, and taste, awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals, as well as Super Gold distinctions. The program also includes the III Forum for Dairy and Cheese Innovation, Lactópolis, the Young Cheesemonger of the Year competition, a Cheese Market, a gastronomic boulevard, and tastings.
Representing the province of Córdoba are Quesería Calaveruela (Fuente Obejuna), Los Balanchares (Zuheros), Fuente La Sierra (Pedroche), Quesería Artesanal Los Peña (Baena), Quesos Plazuelo (Villaralto), and Marqués del Valle (El Viso). Other participating companies include Arbonaida, Aceites Cerro de las Vacas, Aceites de Cañete, El Quijote, la Flor del Garbanzo, Mielinízate, Oleogaia, and Productos El Guiso. The PDOs Montilla-Moriles, Priego de Córdoba, and Los Pedroches are also present.
