INTERNATIONAL CHEESE COMPETITION

Cincho Awards

12th National Edition / 6th International Edition

WHY TAKE PART

Endorsed by internationally renowned cheese experts

International recognition for your cheeses

Enhance the prestige of your cheese business

Access to industry professionals and the global cheese community

Registration open from 6 April to 24 May 2026

HISTORY

The most important national competition for Spanish cheeses

With more than two decades of history, the Cincho Awards are a symbol of excellence and prestige, recognised for their commitment to quality and the global promotion of cheese.

Participating Countries

Expert Tasters

Samples Submitted

DISCOVER OUR HISTORY

Limited registration

Participation is limited to 1,500 cheeses.

Once this number has been reached, the registration period will close. This limit ensures rigorous organisation and optimal conditions for the judging sessions.

A Competition with an International Dimension

In the latest edition, held in 2024, the Cincho Awards brought together:

Participating Countries

Expert Tasters

Samples Submitted

These figures reflect the scope and global reach of the competition, as well as the high technical level of its judging panel.

Taking part in the Cincho Awards means committing to visibility, prestige and professional recognition in one of the leading international cheese competitions.

Partners

PROFESSIONAL TASTINGS

June 2 to 4, 2026

Tordesillas (Valladolid, Castilla y León)

The tastings are conducted blind, following a computerised procedure that guarantees impartiality and confidentiality throughout all stages of the competition.

Their work ensures that the Cincho Awards distinctions are the result of a professional, independent and transparent evaluation, recognised by the sector at an international level.

PRICES

The Awards

A Cincho award is synonymous with prestige, quality and trust, and translates into greater visibility in the market and among consumers.

Grand Gold Cincho

The highest distinction, awarded to recognise outstanding cheeses of the highest quality at an international level.

Gold Cincho

An honorary distinction rewarding the quality and unique character of each cheese across the 43 competition categories.

Silver Cincho

An honorary distinction rewarding the quality and unique character of each cheese across the 43 competition categories.

Special Awards

A prestigious recognition granted to:

Best Organic Cheese
Best Sheep’s Milk Cheese in Spain
Best Cheese from Castilla y León

Other Awards

Cincho Award for milk quality: Recognises excellence among sheep, cow and goat dairy farms in Castilla y León.

Cincho Honorary Awards: Awarded to individuals and/or organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion and development of the dairy sector.

MORE INFO

VIEW ALL AWARD WINNERS

The jury

The Cincho Awards Jury is composed of highly respected national and international tasters with extensive experience in the dairy sector and a strong commitment to quality and excellence.

Their role is to ensure an objective and rigorous evaluation of all samples in accordance with international standards.

The Jury combines technical training, expertise in sensory analysis, and professional ethics, ensuring that each cheese is assessed with the highest level of rigour
and transparency.

VIEW JURY MEMBERS

Why enter?

The Cincho Awards offer the opportunity to take part in an internationally recognised competition where sensory quality is the sole criterion for recognition.

A Cincho Award is synonymous with prestige, quality, and trust, translating into greater visibility in the market and among consumers.

With its long-standing track record and global reach, the competition has established itself as a symbol of recognition and continuous improvement, encouraging producers to keep refining their craft.

High-level international tasting panel

Technical rigor and anonymity in tastings

National and international exposure

20 years of experience & 10 years at international level