The Consortium for the Protection of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO is strategically orienting towards export markets, prompting a surge in international promotional initiatives. From the gastronomic havens of France to the burgeoning markets of Japan, buffalo mozzarella is asserting its presence beyond domestic borders, with the export segment now exceeding 40% share of the overall production, valuing over 300 million euros.
Initiating its global showcase, the international tour commenced on February 25th in Paris at the ‘Salon du Fromage‘ hosted at ‘Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.’ Buffalo mozzarella, a standout participant, features prominently in the prestigious exhibition of premium Italian products orchestrated by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA). Notably, France stands as the primary export market for Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO, commanding a significant one-third share of the total foreign sales. In a nation where cheese consumption is an art, the French, in 2021, savored approximately 29 kg of cheese per capita, with 1.9 kg dedicated to buffalo mozzarella, securing its third-place position in French consumer preferences (source: France Agrimer, 2023 report).
President of the Consortium, Domenico Raimondo, notes promising trends emerging from the export front, citing a +10% growth in Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO during the third quarter of 2023, outpacing the broader dairy sector which achieved a modest +3%. This underscores the escalating global appeal of the product, compelling the Consortium to strategically invest in export initiatives.
MOZZARELLA DI BUFALA: THE INTERNATIONAL PURSUIT
Marking a pivotal period from March 5th to 8th, the Consortium will participate in Foodex Japan in Tokyo, a paramount fixture in the Japanese F&B sector and a magnet for commercial opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region. A suite of promotional activities, meticulously aligned with the PDO product framework, is slated under the auspices of the European Union.
Transitioning to Spain from March 18th to 21st, the Consortium will feature prominently at the Alimentaria exhibition in Barcelona (Hall 3, level 0, stand 500).
Collaborating with the Campania Region, the Consortium will spearhead innovative initiatives in the promising Spanish market, currently constituting 5% of Mozzarella di Bufala PDO exports. The tour will return to Italy from May 7th to 10th, converging in Parma for the much-anticipated Cibus 2024.