Simonet acknowledges the work of the Mahón-Menorca PDO Cheese and encourages it to continue strengthening the product’s identity and international projection

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment, Joan Simonet, took part on Friday afternoon in the ceremony commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Mahón-Menorca Cheese, held in Cala Galdana (Ferreries) with the presence of authorities, producers, and sector representatives. He was accompanied by the Director General of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development, Fernando Fernández, and the Director General of Agri-food Quality and Local Product, Joan Llabrés. The island’s Councillor for Economy and Territory, Maria Antònia Taltavull, also attended, along with other authorities and representatives from the agricultural and agri-food sectors.

During the event, the new manager of the Regulatory Council, Carol Quevedo, reviewed the forty-year history of the PDO and highlighted the efforts of the farmers, cheesemakers, and maturers who keep alive this essential element of Menorca’s gastronomic heritage. The president of the PDO, Joan Bosco Triay, also spoke, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between institutions and the sector to face future challenges.

Minister Simonet acknowledged the work carried out by the entire Menorcan cheesemaking sector and encouraged the PDO “to continue strengthening the product’s identity, focusing on quality, innovation, and promotion as key factors for growth both within and beyond the Islands.” “Mahón-Menorca Cheese is an example of how tradition and professionalism can go hand in hand to create added value for the territory. This designation is a cornerstone of our agri-food heritage, and the Government will provide all the necessary support to consolidate its national and international presence,” Simonet stated.

During the gala, tribute was paid to the eight presidents the PDO has had over the past forty years, with a special mention for former manager Piedad López, who held the position for three decades and was a key figure in consolidating the quality label.

More than 3,500 tonnes of cheese per year
Currently, the PDO brings together 98 livestock farms, 53 dairies (43 artisanal and 10 industrial), and 42 maturers, collectively producing more than 3,500 tonnes of cheese annually.
In 2024, the commercial value of Mahón-Menorca Cheese exceeded €24.7 million, with 2,604 tonnes sold, and the product is exported to 44 countries, mainly the United States, the Dominican Republic, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Mexico.

The Mahón-Menorca PDO, officially created in 1985 and recognized by the European Union in 1996, is now one of Spain’s three main cheese denominations, behind only Manchego and Arzúa-Ulloa.

In this regard, it is worth noting that the Government of the Balearic Islands remains committed to the sector through various support and promotion programs for differentiated quality brands. Moreover, the Mahón-Menorca PDO actively participates in all promotional campaigns and in national and international fairs with the collaboration of the Ministry.

Visit to the Xoriguer Distillery
Minister Simonet and Directors General Joan Llabrés and Fernando Fernández also took advantage of their stay in Menorca to visit the Xoriguer Distillery. Its gin, Gin Xoriguer, has been protected by the Geographical Indication “Gin de Mahón” since 2014. It is one of four spirit drinks in the Balearic Islands with a Geographical Indication.
In 2024, the distillery produced 370,000 litres, exporting 18.6% of its production to countries such as the United States, Germany, and Italy.