Boussaada’s Djben el Kfas Wins Gold at Mondial du Fromage

Algerian artisanal cheese, Djben el Kfas, has garnered significant international recognition, securing a gold medal at the Mondial du Fromage in September 2023. This prestigious award celebrates the unique qualities of the traditional cheese, originating from the Boussaada region in southern Algeria, and underscores the country's rich culinary heritage on a global stage.

Djben el Kfas, a soft cheese, is distinctive for its natural packaging crafted from local dry herbs, including rosemary, thyme, and alfalfa, which contribute to its characteristic oval shape and unique flavor profile. Its journey to international acclaim began with French cheesemaker Belisson, who, during a visit to Algeria, discovered the country's diverse range of authentic, local cheeses, a surprise given his initial expectation of finding only commercially processed varieties.

Belisson, who had organized an international cheese festival with Algeria as its inaugural destination, was particularly impressed by Djben el Kfas. He made the decision to present it at the Mondial du Fromage, where it captivated both judges and the public, leading to its gold medal triumph. This significant achievement has elevated the profile of Algeria's artisanal and farm cheeses, making them known to a wider international audience.

The international consecration of Djben el Kfas has also fostered new opportunities within Algeria's cheese-making sector. It has inspired the development of more "incredible farm cheeses" that authentically represent Algerian terroir, moving beyond mere imitations of European varieties. This success highlights a growing trend towards celebrating and cultivating indigenous Algerian cheese traditions.