Mexican Artisan Cheeses Win Over Discerning Palates, Says UNAM Expert
Mexico City — Though artisan cheeses account for only one out of every 10 kilograms consumed in Mexico, they hold a special place in the country’s gastronomy and are highly valued in gourmet markets, according to an academic from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
Pedro Flores Moreno, a professor at UNAM’s Faculty of Higher Studies (FES) Aragón, said small producers primarily market varieties such as panela, fresco, de rancho, botanero, Oaxaca, and asadero. These cheeses enjoy a broad consumer base, especially among health-conscious individuals, and offer added value over ultra-processed alternatives due to their texture, color, and flavor.
Flores, who teaches in the Agricultural Development Planning program, noted that large companies and transnational corporations dominate the market with mass-produced cheeses designed to look, melt, and taste like cheese. He described these as reconstituted dairy formulas made from water, a small amount of powdered milk, and chemicals that mimic the real product.
Laura Castillo covers tourism, business, and economic development across Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the wider Riviera Maya for Riviera Maya News & Events. She tracks the region's most important business stories — from hotel investments and airline route expansions to real estate market trends and local economic policy — helping English-speaking readers stay informed about the economic pulse of Mexico's Caribbean coast.Laura has been reporting on Quintana Roo's tourism sector since 2020, closely monitoring developments in Cancun's hotel zone, Tulum's rapidly growing commercial corridor, and the evolving business landscape in Playa del Carmen. Her coverage includes corporate investments, employment trends, infrastructure projects, and the economic impact of events like sargassum seasons and hurricane preparation.Before joining Riviera Maya News & Events, Laura worked in business development and market analysis in the Riviera Maya region, giving her first-hand insight into how tourism, real estate, and local commerce intersect. She is fluent in English and Spanish.For story tips: laura@rivieramayanews.mx
