The majorero cheese factory, located in Pájara, has been awarded the Grand Gold Medal and a Gold Medal at the regional cheese competition.
The cheese factory Ganadería La Pared, from the municipality of Pájara, has once again demonstrated its excellence at the Official Cheese Competition Agrocanarias 2026. The Castro family, responsible for the farm, has won two awards that establish them as one of the references in the sector in the Canary Islands. The Grand Gold Medal was awarded for their semi-cured mixed cheese made from raw milk, coated with La Pastora paprika, while the Gold Medal went to the smoked semi-cured mixed cheese made from raw milk, La Pastora.
Recognition of Pájara's Cheese-Making Tradition
The Pájara Town Hall has publicly congratulated the Castro family. The mayor, Alejandro Jorge, highlighted that these awards reflect the effort and dedication of a family that has been committed to quality for years. “They bring the name of Pájara to the highest level”, he stated. The councillor for the Primary Sector, José Manuel Díaz, emphasized that behind these recognitions lies perseverance and passion for livestock farming, and assured that the municipality will continue to support the primary sector.
The Agrocanarias 2026 competition, organized by the Government of the Canary Islands, brought together the best cheese factories in the archipelago. The participation of Ganadería La Pared was particularly notable, achieving the highest award of the event. The cheese factory, located in the La Pared area of the majorero municipality, produces its products using raw goat and sheep milk, following traditional methods that have been perfected over the years.
A Boost for the Majorero Primary Sector
These awards not only represent a source of pride for the Castro family but also highlight the work of farmers in Fuerteventura. The primary sector of the island is experiencing a revitalization, with initiatives such as the quality brand “Queso Majorero” and institutional support for local farms. The cheese factory La Pared thus becomes an ambassador for the cheese-making tradition of Pájara, attracting visitors interested in local gastronomy each year.
The Town Hall has reminded that the municipality has several artisanal cheese factories that participate in regional and national competitions. The quality of Pájara's cheeses is increasingly recognized, opening doors to export and gastronomic tourism. The locals can be proud to have products that compete at the highest level.
For cheese lovers, a visit to the cheese factory La Pared is almost a must. They offer tastings and direct sales, and their products can be found in specialty shops throughout the Canary Islands. The cheese La Pastora, both in its smoked version and with paprika, has become a reference for those seeking authentic flavours.
The news has been received with joy in the municipality, where the primary sector is an economic pillar. More than a hundred families depend directly or indirectly on livestock farming in Pájara, and awards like these help to keep the tradition alive and generate future opportunities.

