Brazil’s Caprinus do Lago earned a Super Gold rank at the World Cheese Contest in France. This contest only gave 12 such honors.
Most winners came from France and Switzerland. Yet, Caprinus was the only non-European cheese to clinch this title.
This special cheese comes from Valença, in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
The competition had 1,640 global entries. Brazil presented 288 cheeses, winning 17 gold medals in total.
Ten of these golds came from the state of Minas Gerais. Made from raw goat’s milk, Caprinus takes a year to mature.
“Every day, we turn and brush the cheese,” said owner Fabrício Le Draper Vieira. The creation process is labor-intensive.
In fact, one kilogram of cheese needs 17 liters of milk. Despite high demand, Vieira won’t increase production. He focuses on quality, not quantity.
Customers must wait a year for this delicacy. Vieira prefers selling pieces instead of whole wheels of cheese. This way, more people get to enjoy it.
Background Caprinus do Lago
The win for Caprinus do Lago signifies a broader success for Brazil’s cheese industry. This achievement elevates Brazil’s standing on the global culinary stage.
For long, European cheeses have dominated these competitions. Now, Brazil joins the ranks, showcasing its artisanal quality.
Additionally, the honor could boost Brazil’s local cheese market. Increased demand and higher prices could follow.
However, the year-long aging process limits Caprinus’ production. Therefore, this cheese is likely to remain a premium product.
By keeping it exclusive, Vieira adds a layer of allure. It turns the cheese into more than just food—it becomes an experience.
This business model values quality over quantity, possibly setting a trend for other artisanal producers.
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