The Fromago cheese fair in Zamora features over 1,200 varieties of cheese from 300 exhibitors along a two-kilometer promenade in the city. The event has been a huge success, attracting around 300,000 visitors, filling the streets, overflow in the hospitality sector, and all hotel beds occupied. This has provided a boost to the local economy and has been well received by both producers and consumers alike. The fair aims to combine Zamorano cheese with the local heritage, allowing attendees to explore different cheese varieties alongside the local monuments and landmarks.
The fair offers a wide range of cheeses made from sheep, cow, donkey, goat, or a mix of milks, in various aging processes and flavors such as cured, semi-cured, fresh, aged, smoked, with truffle, beer, honey, and more. The event, held biennially, is organized by the Diputación and coordinated by the Foundation of Dairy Industries, in collaboration with local and regional authorities. The fair has received strong support from the local government, with the president of the Diputación highlighting the importance of the event in promoting the local cheese industry and creating job opportunities.
In addition to cheese, the fair also features other artisanal products such as cured meats, honey, legumes, gin, vermouth, wine, pickles, snails, tripe, jam, beer, footwear, and wool blankets, all of which are as enticing as the cheese itself. Visitors can participate in cheese tasting sessions in the “cheese tunnel” where they can sample five different varieties along with bread and grapes for a nominal fee. The positive reception from attendees and the bustling atmosphere at the fair have helped to promote the local products and showcase the quality of Zamorano cheese.
The fair has attracted a diverse crowd, including young university students and experienced cheese connoisseurs, all eager to sample and purchase different varieties of cheese. Producers from the region emphasize the importance of events like Fromago in providing a platform for local producers to showcase their products and connect with consumers. The fair has also had a positive impact on businesses in the city, with shops and restaurants benefiting from the increased footfall and tourism generated by the event.
While the fair has been a success in terms of promoting local products and boosting the economy, there are also concerns about the long-term sustainability of the region. Some attendees express worries about the future of Zamora and the need for economic development to prevent the city from becoming desolate. Despite these concerns, the overall response to the fair has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees enjoying the opportunity to explore different cheese varieties, support local producers, and savor the flavors of Zamorano cheese. Fromago has become a celebrated event in Zamora, highlighting the rich culinary heritage of the region and attracting visitors from near and far to indulge in the world of cheese.
