FrieslandCampina Winter Fancy Faire brings award-winning Dutch cheeses, new launches, and sustainability to San Diego.
Why San Diego Is the Right City for This Moment
San Diego has quietly become one of the most serious food cities in the country. It’s confident, coastal, globally curious—and allergic to hype.
That’s exactly why the FrieslandCampina Winter Fancy Faire matters here.
From January 11–13, 2026, San Diego isn’t just hosting another trade show. It’s hosting a conversation about where great cheese is headed next.
At Booth #3011 inside the San Diego Convention Center, FrieslandCampina brings new product debuts, award-winning Dutch cheeses, and a sustainability program that actually holds up under scrutiny.
For chefs, buyers, wine collectors, and cocktail pros who live here—or fly in for the show—this is cheese that respects your palate and your intelligence. And yes, it’s still fun-loving.
The FrieslandCampina Winter Fancy Faire, Home Court Advantage
The FrieslandCampina Winter Fancy Faire hits differently when it’s in your backyard. No flights. No hotel stress. Just a short walk to taste what one of the world’s most influential cheese producers is doing right now.
As the world’s largest Gouda and Dutch cheese producer, FrieslandCampina is using San Diego as the stage for its latest chapter. The company is showcasing new cheeses, winners from the World Cheese Championship, and its global “Nourishing a Better Planet™” initiative.
San Diego’s food community values balance—between indulgence and wellness, craft and innovation. This lineup speaks directly to that mindset.
New Cheeses That Make Sense for San Diego Eating
Let’s get to the important part: how this cheese fits into how San Diego actually eats.
The new Gayo Azul® Chili Pepper Slices feel tailor-made for a city that grills year-round. Whole-milk richness, a buttery texture, and a controlled, subtle heat that enhances instead of overwhelms. This is cheese that melts beautifully on burgers, elevates sandwiches, and disappears fast at backyard gatherings. Flavor-forward, casual, and undeniably fun-loving. Relatable? If you’ve ever said “just one more slice” and meant five, absolutely.
Then there’s A Dutch Masterpiece® Rembrandt 12-Month PDO, which leans into San Diego’s more contemplative side. Made with North Holland milk, it delivers caramel notes, light crystallization, and a savory depth that pairs effortlessly with good wine—or a quiet moment. This is the cheese you serve when you want people to slow down without telling them to.
Alongside these debuts, Parrano® and Royal Hollandia® cheeses round out the portfolio with bold, nutty flavors and classic Dutch Gouda craftsmanship. From beachside wine bars to serious restaurant programs, these cheeses slot in easily. Flavor first. No gimmicks. Still fun-loving.
Awards That Cut Through the Noise
San Diego diners are informed, opinionated, and not easily impressed. Awards help separate substance from marketing. At the FrieslandCampina Winter Fancy Faire booth, attendees can taste 2024 World Cheese Championship Gold winners across Gayo Azul®, Parrano®, and Royal Hollandia®.
These wins aren’t decorative. They’re blind-judged, technical, and hard-earned. For chefs and retailers, they signal consistency. For hosts and home cooks, they offer confidence. And let’s be honest—telling guests a cheese won gold still earns a nod. Relatable? Completely.
Sustainability That Fits the San Diego Ethos
San Diego cares deeply about the environment, but it also expects practicality. FrieslandCampina’s Nourishing a Better Planet™ program focuses on nutrition access, farmer livelihoods, climate impact, biodiversity, packaging, and responsible sourcing. It’s global in scale but grounded in action.
For a city that values clean oceans, responsible sourcing, and good food, that balance matters.
Mini FAQ for San Diego Attendees
Q: Where can I meet FrieslandCampina during the show?
A: Booth #3011 at the Winter Fancy Faire Show, hosted at the San Diego Convention Center.
Q: What should I taste first?
A: Start with the Gayo Azul® Chili Pepper Slices, then move to the Rembrandt 12-Month PDO for contrast.
Q: Who is this most relevant for?
A: Chefs, specialty retailers, wine and cocktail professionals, and serious home entertainers.
San Diego’s food city
The FrieslandCampina Winter Fancy Faire isn’t just visiting San Diego—it’s validating it as a food city that understands flavor, craft, and responsibility. If you care about cheese that tastes great, works hard, and still knows how to have fun, Booth #3011 deserves your time.
