Queijo São Jorge DOP 4 Meses and Queijo Velho São Miguel 9 Meses, distributed by LactAçores, were awarded Gold medals at the World Cheese Awards, one of the biggest international cheese events.

The competition, which took place in Trondheim (Norway) and celebrated its 35th edition this year, attracted a record number of competitors, with 4,502 representatives from 43 countries.

A panel of 264 judges from 38 countries assessed the cheeses during the competition phase, examining them on the basis of taste, aroma and texture, awarding them a score of up to 100 points, thus determining the respective bronze, silver or gold medals.

According to José Carlos Serrão, General Manager of LactAçores, "It is a great source of pride to receive two of the three gold distinctions that Portugal has received for these nationally and internationally renowned brands, which deserve these awards.

These awards are proof of the excellent quality of the cheeses from the Azores, and a reflection of the work that the producers and our teams have been doing to enhance the excellence of the cheeses from the Azores and provide an unparalleled experience for all consumers, both nationally and internationally."

São Jorge PDO Cheese

Recognized nationally and internationally, it has been produced exclusively on the island of São Jorge since its discovery in the mid-15th century. Made from raw cow's milk, rennet and salt, this cheese has a strong aroma and a slightly spicy taste. It is aged for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 36 months.

The distinctive characteristics of São Jorge PDO cheese are the result of the island's climatic conditions, which give rise to pastures with a variety of crops, resulting in a cheese of excellence. Excellence is the word that best characterizes Queijo São Jorge DOP, ideal for sharing great moments.

Queijo Velho São Miguel Cheese

This excellent cheese has been produced since the beginning of the settlement of the Azores, with the arrival of farmers from northern Europe. It is a traditional cheese designed for true cheese lovers. Its long maturing period, a minimum of 9 months, gives it a unique taste and a guarantee of superior quality that places it in the showcase of special cheeses.

Known by many as the "black rind cheese", it is a product obtained from cow's milk, which has undergone fat normalization and pasteurization treatment.

Made in a discontinuous process in an open vat, it is a semi-hard ripened cheese. Its firm texture and yellowish color, with small, irregular eyes scattered throughout the firm paste, give it a strong, clean aroma and taste.
With an unparalleled flavor, it is ideal for snacking, for adding to salads, pasta, gratins... creativity being the limit!

LactAçores celebrates the continued success of its member cooperatives and expresses its gratitude to all those involved in producing and promoting the best traditional Portuguese cheeses. The company reaffirms its commitment to offering high quality products, valuing origin and tradition in cheese production.