Regulators ramped up enforcement efforts in 2024 to combat the misuse of the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO designation, with the Consortium for Protection conducting 3,752 inspections across the market. The crackdown led to a series of reports and legal actions, with online sales emerging as a key battleground for fraudulent practices.
Digital monitoring intensified over the past year, reflecting the sector’s vulnerability to violations. Of the 3,000 online listings examined, 475 required intervention, with the Consortium demanding the removal of misleading content. More than 75% of infractions were traced to online marketplaces, 12% to e-commerce sites, and 11% to social media platforms.
Key breaches included:
- The unauthorized use of the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO name for uncertified products
- Misleading references and evocations
- Generic or deceptive imagery
- Unauthorized use of the official PDO logo
- Illicit websites selling counterfeit products
“The Consortium remains committed to strict oversight and transparency,” said Domenico Raimondo, its president. “We are intensifying efforts to safeguard the integrity of the designation.”
PRODUCTION GROWTH AND EXPORT TRENDS
Despite the compliance challenges, production volumes edged higher in 2024, reaching 55.7 million kilograms, a 0.23% increase from the previous year.
Exports remain a driving force, with France consolidating its position as the top importer, increasing its market share from 29% to 31.8%—accounting for nearly a third of total overseas sales. Germany followed, with its share rising from 15.7% to 18.1%, while Spain saw notable growth, climbing from 5.1% to 8.1%.
Emerging markets also gained traction, with Norway and Thailand appearing in the export data for the first time. Looking ahead, the Consortium is targeting Eastern Europe, Mexico, and key Asian markets, including the UAE, Singapore, and Malaysia.
MOZZARELLA DI BUFALA CAMPANA PDO: STRATEGIC EXPANSION IN 2025
To reinforce brand integrity and expand market share, the Consortium will launch a €1 million promotional campaign in 2025, focusing on France, Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands—strategic markets where demand for premium Italian dairy products continues to rise.
