Largest edition in the event’s history kicked off this Thursday with representatives from 19 countries, presence of Minas Gerais Agriculture Secretary, and expectations of significant impact on the local economy
The ExpoQueijo Brasil 2026 officially began this Thursday (25th) in Araxá, surrounded by figures that highlight the scale achieved by the event. With representatives from 19 countries, the largest structure ever assembled in its history, and expectations of boosting the local economy, the fair solidifies the municipality as one of the main international hubs for the cheese sector this week.
The effects are already noticeable even before the full opening of the program. The arrival of producers, judges, exhibitors, buyers, specialists, and visitors from various regions of Brazil and abroad has raised hotel occupancy rates and increased activity in sectors such as gastronomy, transportation, commerce, and services.
During a press conference held at the Grande Hotel e Termas de Araxá, representatives from the organization, the City Hall, and the Government of Minas Gerais highlighted the event’s growth and its ability to generate business, attract tourists, and project the municipality internationally.
According to Araxá’s Municipal Secretary of Economic Development, Italo Marcus Fonseca Borges, it is estimated that ExpoQueijo Brasil will inject thousands of reais into the local economy during the event, with impacts on areas such as hospitality, tourism, commerce, gastronomy, transportation, and services. “Araxá is once again a protagonist in an international program. Besides promoting the city’s name, ExpoQueijo boosts the local economy. With so many people visiting Araxá and an event of this scale, everyone ends up benefiting,” says the secretary.
The Municipal Secretary of Tourism, Alda Sandra Barbosa Marques, reinforced the importance of ExpoQueijo in consolidating Araxá as an event destination and increasing the city’s visibility. “It’s a special moment and a very important event for tourism growth. Receiving people from so many countries allows them to circulate through the city and get to know Araxá’s potential,” she highlights.
According to the organizer of ExpoQueijo Brasil, Maricell Hussein, the fair reaches its sixth edition with visible growth in structure, program, and participation from Brazilian and foreign producers. “ExpoQueijo is built by many hands. None of this would be possible without the people and institutions involved with us. Since 2021, when we held the first edition, the event has grown a lot. We will have the Cozinha Show, a gastronomy area, free shows for the public, a forum on various topics related to artisan cheese, and a competition that is the largest in our history,” she highlights.
This year’s competition brings together cheeses from 19 countries, in addition to producers from various Brazilian states. According to Maricell, international participation has also grown in quantity and representativeness. “It’s not just the increase in countries. Those countries that have come before, that took their trophies, returned with more people and more cheese. This shows the strength of ExpoQueijo and the world’s interest in artisan cheese,” she states.
The Secretary of State for Agriculture, Livestock and Supply of Minas Gerais, Thales Fernandes, highlighted the presence of the Minas Gerais Government at the event and the technical support from institutions linked to the sector. According to him, teams from the Secretariat of Agriculture, the Minas Gerais Institute of Agriculture (IMA), Emater-MG, and Epamig/ILCT work directly on organizing the fair and supporting producers.
“We have a competition and celebration environment, but also discussions about small-scale agro-industry, regulations, research, and a forum that impacts the entire artisan cheese chain. All of this shows the involvement of the Minas Gerais Government with ExpoQueijo Brasil, which I dare say is one of the largest cheese events in the world. This week, Araxá becomes the center of the world when it comes to cheese,” Thales emphasizes.