Guilde Internationale Des Fromagers

by MARIBEL MARTINEZ noviembre 9, 2025

written by MARIBEL MARTINEZ noviembre 9, 2025 0 comments

Presented the New Cheese Ambassadors in Spain at the Residence of the French Embassy.

Last Tuesday, the residence of the French Ambassador in Madrid hosted a prestigious international event by the Guilde Internationale des Fromagers. Madrid, considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the moment thanks to its rising tourism appeal, quality of life, strong economy, and vibrant nightlife, served as the perfect backdrop for this ceremony organized by the International Cheese Guild.

The Guilde des Fromagers introduced its new Cheese Ambassadors in Spain during a charismatic ceremony featuring Aitor Vega, Guillermina Sánchez, Juan R. Garijo, Alain Cuesta, Juan Méndez, and Toni Gerez. These new members come from diverse areas such as gastronomy, hospitality, and food retail. All were officially inducted as part of an event held at the French Embassy in Madrid.

The Guilde Internationale des Fromagers is a non-profit, global organization that brings together professionals from the cheese and dairy sector—including farmers, producers, affineurs, and merchants—with the aim of fostering cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the worldwide celebration of cheese diversity. Its renowned Saint-Uguzon Brotherhood honors individuals who, through their dedication, contribute to the promotion of these products. The celebration of the Guild’s 666th chapter brought together a select group of professionals from across Spain to be officially inducted into the Brotherhood at the French Embassy residence.

The French Ambassador Opened the Ceremony.

The ceremony was opened by the French Ambassador to Spain, Kareen Rispal, who congratulated and welcomed the new members to the Guilde, emphasizing their role as ambassadors committed to elevating the value of this rich and diverse gastronomic product. Following her remarks, Roland Barthélemy, Master Cheesemaker and President of the Brotherhood, officiated the induction of Aitor Vega, founder of 250 Gramos de Queso; Ana Belén González Pinos, Gastronomic Consultant and co-founder of Q de Queso; Juan Ramón Garijo, owner of El Sueño del Quesero; Guillermina Sánchez, butter and cheese specialist and sommelier; Alain Cuesta, Charcuterie Manager at Masymas Supermarkets; Salvador Valero, Director of Bon Fromage; Juan Méndez, founder of La Boulette—who was also appointed Guard and Juror of the Brotherhood—; Abel Velarde, Head of Service at the restaurant Desde 1911; François Chartier, aroma and gastronomy researcher; and Tony Jerez, Head of Service at El Castillo de Peralada, all as new ambassadors and Brotherhood members.

At the end of the ceremony, guests enjoyed an extensive cheese tasting showcasing a curated selection brought mainly from France and displayed as a Haute Fromagerie tableau, featuring some of the most awarded cheeses from Mantequerías Arias. The offering included blue cheeses, soft and hard varieties, all accompanied by Laurent-Perrier champagne and a refined catering selection by Flor de Sal.