Italian cheese exports to Japan climbed sharply in 2024, rising 14% by volume and 11% in value, driven by strong demand for PDO-certified varieties. Total exports reached 12,700 tonnes—40% of which coming from PDO cheeses—valued at €106.9 million. PDO and PGI cheeses accounted for €53.4 million in total exports.
Parmigiano Reggiano PDO and Grana Padano PDO led the gains, with shipments rising 12% to nearly 2,000 tonnes, generating more than €22 million in sales. Grated cheese exports soared 87% to 1,400 tonnes, while Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO and Gorgonzola PDO saw steady growth, reaching 800 and 510 tonnes, respectively.
The figures, released by AfiDop at Foodex Japan 2025—the country’s largest agri-food trade show, running from March 11–14 in Tokyo—highlight the growing appetite for Italian dairy products. AfiDop, which represents Italian producers of geographically protected cheeses, will showcase Asiago PDO, Gorgonzola PDO, Grana Padano PDO, Pecorino Romano PDO, and Piave PDO at The Italian Aperitivo, an event hosted at the Italian Embassy on March 13 by the Italian Trade Agency and Fiere di Parma. Among the attendees will be AfiDop President Antonio Auricchio and Italian Ambassador to Japan Gianluigi Benedetti.
Auricchio described 2024 as “an exceptionally strong year” for the sector, noting that despite the yen’s depreciation in 2023, Japanese consumers have remained loyal to Italian PDO cheeses. “The variety, texture, and flavor of our products, combined with their culinary versatility and the enduring appeal of Made in Italy, continue to drive demand,” he said. While cheese remains a niche product in Japanese cuisine, the presence of 5,000 Italian restaurants in Tokyo and the popularity of Italy’s dishes such as cacio e pepe have helped fuel growth.
Cheese consumption in Japan has more than doubled since 1990, surpassing 300,000 tonnes, with fresh cheeses seeing particularly strong demand. “There is significant room for further expansion in this market,” Auricchio added.