1st National Best Cheesecake Contest
FROMAGO Cheese Experience 2026 is hosting the first edition of the National Best Cheesecake Contest, an event aimed at cheese producers who have made this dessert a hallmark of their culinary identity.
The contest highlights the quality of the product, the use of cheese as the main ingredient, and the technical and creative skills of the producers, emphasizing the role of Zamorano PDO cheese and the cheeses from each region.
The final will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026, in Zamora, at the FROMAGO fairgrounds, in a space open to both industry professionals and fair visitors.
The recipe must include at least two types of cheese in the cake.
· One Zamorano PDO cheese
· One cheese produced in the Autonomous Community where the competing company is based
How It Works
Each contestant will bring their prepared cake—at least three of the same recipe—and provide their own cutting tools. The order of participation will be determined by a random draw at the start of the contest. The challenge consists of two parts:
- Skill, preparation, and presentation (10 points). Ten minutes to complete the presentation and plating of eight portions: one for display and the rest for the judges to taste. Cleanliness and precision in cutting are evaluated.
- Tasting (90 points). Two minutes to defend and explain the cake to the jury: the balance of the cheeses and the chosen ingredients. The quality of the preparation and presentation, the aroma, texture, flavor, and originality are evaluated.
Awards
The winner will receive the 2026 FROMAGO Trophy, a gold medal, and a cash prize of €500. The second- and third-place finishers will receive silver and bronze medals, respectively . All participants will receive a certificate of participation.
The organization will cover the travel expenses from Madrid to Zamora, lodging, and return transportation for each contestant, who must travel unaccompanied.
Below, you can review the complete rules and register online.
