Italy’s PDO cheeses solidified their global dominance in 2023, contributing nearly 60% of the nation’s dairy export value. Shipments surged to 254,000 tons, an 11% increase year-on-year, generating an estimated €3 billion in revenue.
These cheeses are central to Italy’s culinary appeal abroad, driving demand from Canada to Japan. The rising popularity of dishes like cacio e pepe—made with Pecorino Romano—has fueled exports to East Asia. In Japan alone, Italian PDO cheeses shipments climbed 14.9% to €96 million in 2023, following a 33% surge the previous year, according to the Italian Trade Agency.
ITALIAN PDO CHEESES ARE ICONS OF ITALIAN GASTRONOMY
Afidop, the Italian association representing Italian PDO and PGI cheeses, highlighted these successes during this year’s edition of the “Week of Italian Cuisine in the World” (November 16–22). Showcasing stars such as Grana Padano, Parmigiano Reggiano, Piave, and Provolone Valpadana at events in Washington, D.C., the association reinforced their status as symbols of Italian craftsmanship.
Italian cheeses also triumphed on the competitive stage, claiming 12 gold medals at the 2024 International Cheese Awards. Winners included household names like Parmigiano Reggiano, Taleggio, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, and Gorgonzola.
EXPORT TITANS
Leading the charge were Grana Padano, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Pecorino Romano:
- Grana Padano PDO exported 1.5 million wheels in the first seven months of 2024 (+10.18%), with exports comprising 52% of sales.
- Parmigiano Reggiano PDO posted a 17.5% rise in the first half, exporting 34,924 tons.
- Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO sent 38.3% of its production abroad.
- Gorgonzola PDO exported over a million wheels in the first half (+4%).
- Pecorino Romano PDO shipped 70% of its production overseas.
Digital metrics underscore their global allure. Mozzarella di Bufala Campana led online searches for Italian PDO cheeses, with 56,700 hits globally, followed by Gorgonzola (23,200), Parmigiano Reggiano (18,300), and Grana Padano (9,200), according to Blogmeter data.
CHALLENGES LOOM
Despite these achievements, the sector faces mounting uncertainty, particularly in the U.S., its largest non-EU market. Antonio Auricchio (pictured), president of Afidop, voiced concerns about the potential fallout from America’s shifting trade policies:
“Grana Padano, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Pecorino Romano account for 80% of Italian cheese exports to the U.S.. 2020 tariffs slashed exports by over 6,000 tons and cost €65 million. We hope that recent progress won’t be undone.”