World Cheese Day: Cruzília’s Mantiqueira-made rise

On World Cheese Day, Cruzília marks its Mantiqueira-to-global journey, spotlighting Brazilian cheese as terroir, craft, and creativity.

Celebrated on January 20, World Cheese Day puts a timeless food back at the center of culture and cuisine. In Brazil, the date also shines a light on producers that helped elevate local cheese on the international stage—among them Cruzília, a brand shaped by the terroir of the Mantiqueira Mountains in Minas Gerais and recognized as the most awarded Brazilian cheesemaker in the world.

From a market stall to the mountains

The story begins in 1948, when the company started as a small stall at São Paulo’s Municipal Market. As demand grew, production moved to Cruzília, Minas Gerais, in the late 1980s, operating out of a former factory originally founded by Danish immigrants in the early 20th century.

That shift defined the brand’s path. By combining European traditional techniques with local production and Mantiqueira conditions, Cruzília built a portfolio centered on specialty cheeses, while keeping manual processes and strict quality control at the core.

Signature recipes and classic styles

A key highlight is the Cruzília Exclusive Cheeses collection, made up of in-house signature recipes. The lineup includes Versos de Minas, Santo Casamenteiro, Serra da Mantiqueira, A Lenda, and Azul de Minas—names that underscore the brand’s focus on craft, creativity, and Brazilian identity.

Alongside its originals, Cruzília also produces classic specialty styles such as brie, camembert, gorgonzola, emmental, gruyère, gouda, estepe, parmesan, and provolone, including seasoned versions.

UltraCheese and international recognition

Today, Cruzília is part of UltraCheese, a group that also includes brands like Lac Lélo, Búfalo Dourado, and Itacolomy. The portfolio has strengthened the company’s reach in Brazil and expanded its presence in major competitions.

According to the group, Cruzília accounts for a significant share of UltraCheese’s awards tally, as the holding totals 149 medals across national and international contests, including the World Cheese Awards, Prêmio Queijo Brasil, and Mondial du Fromage.

Photo: Divulgação/Cruzília