The Peralada Mas Marcè farm, located in Siurana d"Empordà, is currently the only farm on the Iberian Peninsula that milks Ripollesa sheep and transforms their milk into dairy products. This activity takes place in a context of risk for native Catalan breeds, as the Xisqueta, Aranesa, and Ripollesa are in danger of extinction.
Local recognition and bet on the Ripollesa sheep
Peralada Mas Marcè has been distinguished with the Producer Award in the first edition of the Girona Delícia Awards. The recuit, the farm's star product, was introduced by Manel Marcè, the current owner, who, along with Natàlia Rich, took over management in 2005. Since then, the farm has specialized in the production of recuit and other dairy derivatives from the Ripollesa sheep.
The milk production of this breed is limited, with an average of half a liter daily per animal. The current flock has 600 Ripollesa sheep and 900 Lacaune, the latter coming from the integration of Làctics Peralada into the business. Lacaune milk, which provides up to two liters daily per animal, is used for making cheeses, natural yogurts, kefirs, and mató.
Collaboration with high gastronomy and product diversification
Since its beginnings, the farm has had the trust of El Celler de Can Roca. Jordi Roca, chef of the restaurant, promoted the diversification of Mas Marcè's offering by requesting the production of Ripollesa sheep's milk and yogurt for his kitchen. This yogurt, after its acceptance, was commercialized to the general public.
Currently, the farm produces cheeses such as Fresc Emporità, Set, Marí and Llanut, in addition to desserts such as egg flan, panacotta and tiramisu. The products recuit, yogurt and Llanut cheese have received the Girona Excel·lent seal, as well as the mató made with lacona milk.
The distribution reaches family supermarkets and reference restaurants in Catalonia, such as Les Cols, Castell Perelada, Miramar, the Princesa Sofia hotel in Barcelona and the establishments of chef Jordi Cruz. For some yogurts and cheeses, cow's milk acquired from local producers is used.
Ecological commitment and educational activities
All Mas Marcè products have the organic certification from the Catalan Council of Organic Agricultural Production. The farm maintains extensive management, combining dairy production with agricultural activity.
"We are an extensive farm, which means that, in addition to producing products, we are also farmers" - Pilar Reguera, head of visits and workshops, Peralada Mas Marcè
Mas Marcè organizes visits and workshops for nursery schools, primary schools, and anyone interested in learning about the production process and the importance of native livestock farming.
Generational relay and new projects
Manel Marcè's eldest son, Bernat, will fully join the business in June. Bernat has recently participated in the creation of a new product alongside Jordi Roca, a traditional recuit of Ripollesa sheep's milk with guava and dulce de leche.
The farm foresees more novelties in its product catalog, although the responsible parties have not advanced details about the upcoming launches.