Founded in 1967, Quesos El Pastor is a cheese manufacturer headquartered in Spain. A family company dedicated to the production of high-quality cheeses, it offers a broad portfolio of traditional and specialised flavours. CEO Marco Rodriguez discussed innovation and investments, in conversation with Antonia Cole.
From a small family dairy business to a leading cheese producer, Quesos
El Pastor has grown significantly, CEO Marco Rodriguez said: “In recent years, we have made large investments into expanding and modernising our facilities. At Quesos El Pastor, we have a great community where everyone pulls together to get the work done, maintaining our family values.”
With more than 350 employees across three factories, the company is well-equipped to produce a broad variety of different cheeses. The main factory in Santa Cristina de la Polverosa, Zamora, is where both traditional and lactic fermentation cheeses
are produced. Then, Quesos El Pastor’s blue cheese production line is spread across two different sites in León. The first is in Posada de Valdeón and the second is a modern factory in Vidanes.
All of the company’s cheeses are created using state-of-the-art technology for healthier and more nutritious formulations. Certified to IFS, BRCGS, IGP and DOP standards, Quesos El Pastor maintains a commitment to quality that has existed for over 50 years.
“The company was established by my father and uncles,” added Mr Rodriguez. “My grandfather Salvador, whose name is part of Quesos El Pastor’s legal name, had already laid foundations in the cheese industry. This was expanded on by our family’s second generation of managers. I have been connected to the cheese factory since I was a child, alongside my family.”
QUESOS EL PASTOR I PROFILE
Innovating flavours
Quesos El Pastor offers a diverse range of cheeses to the market, from cheese pearls filled with raspberry to goat’s cheese logs. Not only does the company create traditional cheeses that capture flavours from around the globe, but it also researches consumer preferences and explores innovative tastes and textures.
“This is why our slogan, ‘a world full of flavours’, defines us as a company,” explained Mr Rodriguez. “All of our flavour profiles, multiplied by the different formats, add up to the more than 1,000 references that we work with today. We strive to differentiate ourselves in a very competitive sector. Our main strengths lie in our wide product range, solid distribution across various channels and the ever-growing international presence of our brand.”
Additionally, Quesos El Pastor’s commitment to research and development sets it apart from the market. The company is able to produce new flavours and varieties of cheeses that either follow or create market trends.
Although the cheese sector may seem static due to it mainly being a traditional product, Quesos El Pastor operates with innovation at its heart. The company focuses on developing new products and automating processes, whilst striving to implement more sustainable and environmentally friendly mechanisms.
“We are highly committed to sustainability and understand that the future of our business depends upon it,” commented Mr Rodriguez. “Recently, we have taken
significant steps to reduce our carbon footprint. For instance, we have implemented an energy efficiency programme in our facilities. This includes the use of solar energy and the optimisation of production to reduce resource waste.”
The company is working towards a zero-waste policy, both in production and in offices. By encouraging employees to recycle and reuse materials as much as possible, Quesos El Pastor hopes to significantly lessen its environmental impact.
Also, the company has strengthened its supply chain by placing additional sustainability standards upon suppliers. This benefits Quesos El Pastor’s operation in terms of sustainability, as well as driving the company’s entire network towards more responsible practices.
Continuing success
The company’s cheeses are sold all over the world, with consumers from many different countries and cultures enjoying the specially formulated products. Quesos El Pastor exports to 89 countries and has done so for many years. However, the company is also focused on its national market of Spain, where it has a significant presence in both small shops and on the shelves of large retail chains.
Quesos El Pastor is able to reach a very wide market, Mr Rodriguez said: “Our commitment to a multichannel approach allows us to cover virtually all commercial distribution channels. Whether it be hypermarkets, supermarkets or cash and carry wholesalers, our broad product offering and large capacity enable us to reach
the end-consumer through a multitude of options. We even have our own physical and online stores.”
Into the future, Quesos El Pastor plans to continue to grow sustainably and organically. Following on from existing success, the company intends to maintain its current strategy that has yielded such impressive results thus far.
Additionally, the company will continue pursuing work in social action. Quesos El Pastor is dedicated to supporting both employees and the wider community through operations. In collaboration with Asprosub Benavente, people with intellectual disabilities are involved in the company’s production processes.
Creating opportunities for, and supporting, people with disabilities, the partnership encourages the development of skills and community engagement.
Quesos El Pastor also supports sporting activities throughout the community. From cycling and triathlon to motocross and taekwondo, the company promotes healthy living and an active lifestyle.
“It’s important that, as a company, we maintain the feeling of pride that all employees feel for being part of this great family,” continued Mr Rodriguez. “We aim to maintain our recognition throughout the industry, where Quesos El Pastor enjoys great prestige. All of this is today’s work, but also tomorrow’s and the future’s.”
Supporting people
As a family company, Quesos El Pastor is motivated by the success of future generations. Not only does the company care about the progress of the business, but also making a difference in terms of sustainability and serving the community.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to make a real impact on both people and the environment,” explained Mr Rodriguez.
“I’m driven by the challenge of improving and am always thinking how we can innovate, support employees and maintain our values. Seeing our team grow fuels my passion.” Quesos El Pastor believes that building
long-term relationships with suppliers and partners is essential to ensuring stability and quality. With partnerships based on trust, transparency and collaboration, the company is able to work alongside suppliers to create solutions that benefit both parties.
For example, the company has been working with ULMA for over 15 years. ULMA has been instrumental in innovating Quesos El Pastor’s supply chain, optimising cost, improving sustainability and maintaining quality.
“Our values are the backbone of everything we do,” added Mr Rodriguez, in conclusion. “We care deeply about our people, community and legacy. Here, we believe in building a company that is not only profitable, but also creates a positive impact on society.” n
