A Milestone in the History of Cheese
This year, Cabrales cheese has reached a new world record when it was auctioned for a staggering €36,000 in Arenas de Cabrales, Asturias. This annual event, which this year marks its 52nd edition, has seen the price of this iconic cheese variety exceed all expectations, setting a precedent in the field of gourmet products.
The Auction: A Duel of Bids
Iván Suárez, from the renowned Nafrar restaurant in Colloto in Oviedo, has become the star of this exciting auction, having bid the highest amount to secure the winning piece. This triumph not only reaffirms his position in the world of cheese, but also keeps him in the Guinness Book of Records as the buyer of the most expensive cheese in the world this year.
A Surprising Increase
This year, Cabrales has seen a notable increase in price, rising by €6,000 compared to the previous record of €30,000, which Ulcerar de Colloto had set in 2023. This increase reflects not only the quality of the cheese, but also the growing interest and appreciation for this Asturian product internationally.
Characteristics of the Winning Cabrales
The piece up for auction weighed 2.5 kilos and was made by the Ángel Díaz Herrero cheese factory in Tielve, which stood out among the 15 participating producers. With a starting price of 3,000 euros, the auction attracted nine catering establishments, four of them newcomers, which adds a fresh and dynamic air to the event.
Tradition and Quality in Every Bite
Cabrales is a cheese that is made in an artisanal way using raw milk, combining cow, sheep and goat, and maturing in natural caves in the Picos de Europa. This traditional technique allows it to develop its characteristic spicy flavour and distinctive blue-green veins, the result of the penicillium mould, which makes it an exceptional product.
A Product with a Seal of Quality
Recognised with the Protected Designation of Origin since 1981, Cabrales is not only a symbol of Asturias, but has also established itself as one of the most internationally renowned cheeses. Its production, which follows traditional methods, places it among the 300 types of cheeses made in this rich region, famous for its cheese diversity.
Looking to the Future
With each auction, Cabrales continues to not only maintain its legacy, but also increase its reputation on a global level. The combination of tradition, quality and the growing interest in gourmet local products suggests that the future of this Asturian cheese is bright, promising more surprises and records in the years to come.