Awarded as Best Artisan Company at Cata Mayor 2024
Formatges Muntanyola has been recognized as the “Best Artisan Company” at the prestigious gastronomic awards organized by Cata Mayor, the foodie channel of EL PERIÓDICO and Prensa Ibérica. The award was presented last night at the Barcelona Auditorium during a ceremony that brought together prominent figures from the culinary world.
Honoring artisans and food producers
This award highlights the fundamental role of artisans and food producers, essential for the richness and diversity of cuisine. The jury, composed of renowned gastronomic experts, granted the award to Formatges Muntanyola in recognition of its excellence in cheese-making, the quality of its products, and its dedication to cheesemaking traditions. Additionally, the company’s social impact was highly valued. As part of the AMPANS Foundation, Formatges Muntanyola contributes to the social and workplace inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and those in vulnerable situations—an added value that sets it apart.
A recognition of quality, international prestige, and social inclusion
At the Formatges Muntanyola cheese workshop, located on the Urpina estate in Sant Salvador de Guardiola (Bages), we produce high-quality, artisan cheeses, primarily using goat’s milk from our own herd. However, our reputation has also extended internationally with award-winning cheeses made from cow, buffalo, and sheep’s milk. This diversity allows us to offer up to 12 different cheese varieties, many of which have received prestigious awards at events such as the Fòrum del Queso Artesano y Catalán, Gourmet Quesos, Làctium, World Cheese Awards, and the Concours International de Lyon.
Beyond its gastronomic excellence, Formatges Muntanyola has a strong social mission. The company employs 12 people, most of whom have disabilities, and is part of the AMPANS Foundation’s labor inclusion project, which has been promoting full social integration for 60 years. This business model proves that quality and social responsibility can go hand in hand, positioning Formatges Muntanyola as a benchmark in the sector.
A jury of experts endorses its artisanal excellence
The jury for the Best Artisan Company award included leading figures in the culinary world, such as Pau Arenós, gastronomic journalist and head of Cata Mayor; Toni Massanés, director of the Alícia Foundation; Carles Gaig, chef at Petit Comité; Martina Puigvert, chef at Les Cols; Carlota Claver, chef at La Gormanda; and Enric Rebordosa, entrepreneur and owner of the Grupo Confitería.
This recognition was awarded within the Cata Mayor awards, which are highly coveted in the culinary world. Other winners included Kresala restaurant, recognized as the Best New Restaurant in Barcelona in 2024, and the Gastronomic Legend Award, presented by the esteemed chef Carme Ruscalleda.
Commitment to sustainability and local traditions
Muntanyola cheeses are produced following sustainable and environmentally friendly processes and hold the Biosphere certification. Through its workshop in Urpina, the brand combines tradition and innovation to create high-quality products while promoting sustainable and ethical production.
