The Consortium for the Protection of Grana Padano PDO has reported a record-breaking year for exports, further cementing the Italian cheese’s position as the world’s most consumed protected designation of origin (PDO) product. In 2024, international shipments reached 2.69 million wheels, accounting for 52% of total production—an increase of 9.15% from the previous year.
GERMANY LEADS GLOBAL DEMAND
Germany remains the top export market, absorbing 634,000 wheels—23.6% of total exports. France follows with 319,000, while the United States ranks third at 215,000. Other key destinations include Spain (163,000), the United Kingdom (149,000), Switzerland (146,000), Belgium (107,000), the Netherlands (98,000), Austria (91,000), and Canada (77,000).
Beyond the top ten, Sweden ranks eleventh with 70,000 wheels, ahead of Poland (64,000), Greece (53,000), Denmark (48,000), and Romania (43,000).
GROWTH PROSPECTS AND TRADE RISKS
Stefano Berni, General Director of the Consortium, hailed the figures as proof of Grana Padano’s global appeal. “Our cheese continues to assert its leadership, even in the most mature international markets. The export surge allows us to strengthen our commitment to protecting and promoting the product worldwide,” he said.
However, Berni warned that the prospect of renewed U.S. tariffs poses a serious threat. “It would be a disastrous and irrational decision, ultimately harming American consumers who voted Donald Trump back into office,” he said.