José María Alonso Ruiz

The Cantabrian native José María Alonso Ruiz has redirected his professional career toward the primary sector, where he now stands out as one of Spain’s leading figures in artisanal cheesemaking. Linked to the family-run project Quesoba, in the Pasiego Valleys, and serving as president of QueRed, Alonso combines institutional experience with rural commitment to strengthen traditional production.

After his time as a pharmacist and a member of Spain’s Congress of Deputies, his commitment to artisanal cheesemaking reflects a clear conviction: the future of rural areas depends on high-quality products rooted in their territory and enriched with added value. From Cantabria, he advocates for a sustainable model that prioritizes animal welfare, respect for natural processes, and the professionalization of the sector.

At the head of QueRed, he works to improve the visibility of small cheesemakers, encourage cooperation among producers, and open new market opportunities both in Spain and abroad.