After two judging rounds, the highest-scoring cheeses advance to the grand decision this Saturday, when the best cheese of the competition will be chosen.
The competition for the main title of ExpoQueijo Brasil 2026 took on new contours on the night of this Friday (26), with the second phase of the International Artisan Cheese Contest. After a full day of technical evaluations, only 15 cheeses earned a spot in the decisive stage, which this Saturday (27) will determine the winner of the Super Gold, the most important award of the largest artisan cheese competition in the Americas.
The classification highlights the high level of the competition. Of the approximately one thousand cheeses submitted by producers from 19 countries, 42 products won gold medals in the first phase and advanced to the second stage. After a new round of tastings and technical evaluations, the group was reduced to 15 finalists remaining in the race for the top title of the 2026 edition.
As in the qualifying phase, the judgments were conducted blind. The judges have no access to the identification of producers or brands and evaluate exclusively the sensory attributes of the cheeses, considering criteria such as appearance, texture, aroma, flavor, balance, and overall quality.
The final stage will take place on the morning of this Saturday, gathering a select group of national and international judges. Each of the 15 finalists will be analyzed individually again until the cheese that will receive the Super Gold, the highest recognition of ExpoQueijo Brasil, is determined.