The Esneki team organised for the participants a very interesting congress under the title “Basque dairy: tradition inspiring innovation”. The speeches were very well balanced between technical, scientific and producers’ projects.

Everybody is ready…

…But first, the greetings of the authorities! The FACE Network President…

…and Leartiker General Director Jon Anakabe.

Also the mayor of Markina-Xemein and the representative of the Basque Government expressed the importance of farmhouse and artisan dairy.

Everything is translated in English and Spanish

In the first session: “The role of ESNEKI as a reference dairy center for the artisan dairy sector”, by Malen Sarasua, Head of ESNEKI Dairy Centre

“Types of rennet and starter cultures used in artisan cheesemaking. Current trends.”, by Ana Arroyo/Maria Arroyo, Laboratorios Arroyo

During the coffee break: the scientific poster exhibition…

…and a selection of local fresh dairy products.

“Practical application of metagenomic techniques to adjust cheesemaking and ripening processes, as well as to ensure the safety of dairy products”, by PhD. Igor Baroja, Head of Molecular Biology at ESNEKI Dairy Centre

“Shepherding as a traditional practice of the Basque Country’s cheesemaking sector and its connection to our semi-hard sheep’s cheese”, by Jon and Martina, GAROA dairy

“Presentation of a success story showing how rural areas can be revitalized through cheesemaking models that combine tradition and modernity”, by Aitor/Sarah, LA LLELDIRIA

Lunch time with a delicious selection of tortillas!

“Innovative cheeses made from Latxa sheep’s milk”, by Iker Izeta, ELKANO 1-GAZTAGUNE dairy

“Diversification of goat’s milk cheeses and its impact on local tourism and gastronomy”, by Alicia Gonzalez, MORAITA dairy

Involved audience

The final panel discussion on “Transition of the Basque Country’s cow milk dairy sector toward more sustainable production systems”
On the stage cow’s milk producers and artisan cheesemakers, moderated by Malen Sarasua, head of ESNEKI Dairy Centre.

The Congress finished with the Scientific Poster Award ceremony. Congratulations to the 3 winning posters!

3rd best poster: “Identification of food quality indicators for distinguishing between sheep milk and cheese from extensive and intensive dairy systems”

2nd best poster: “Pink spots on soft cheeses caused by Epicoccum nigrum”

Best poster: “Summer goat milk is different. Adapting artisan Camembert technology to seasonal decline in casein”.

All the posters and presentations are available on FACE Network website!

The Congress and the FACE Network Annual Meeting 2026 came to an end with the final thanks and greetings from the president Kerstin Jürss

A big thank you to the ESNEKI dream team, for the wonderful organisation and hospitality ❤️

See you all next year!