Italian dairy exports remain a key growth engine for Lactalis Italia, which used the Tuttofood 2026 trade show to highlight the international expansion of its Made in Italy portfolio and the rising global demand for premium Italian cheeses.
The group — owner of brands including Lactalis, Galbani, Parmalat, Vallelata, Zymil, Ambrosi, and Mandara — said more than 40% of its Italian cheese production is now destined for foreign markets.
Lactalis Italia currently exports over 105,000 tonnes of cheese to 115 countries, generating around €900 million in revenue and accounting for approximately 40% of Italy’s total dairy export sector. France, the UK, Germany, Benelux countries, and Scandinavia remain the group’s strongest export destinations, with Parmigiano Reggiano PDO, Grana Padano PDO, mozzarella, and mascarpone among the most popular products overseas. Burrata has also recorded strong growth over the past five years. Europe continues to drive export performance, with France, Germany, Spain, and Belgium representing 54% of production volumes, while non-EU markets account for a further 30%.
During the exhibition, Lactalis also showcased product innovation aimed at supporting international growth and improving supply-chain resilience. For export markets, the company introduced a frozen mozzarella and burrata line designed for the global foodservice sector, enabling longer shelf life while preserving product quality and reducing waste. The group also launched a 1 kg Galbani Professionale mascarpone and a basil-infused mozzarella for foodservice operators.
“In a geopolitical environment characterized by strong market volatility, we believe companies must manage this complexity together with the entire supply chain, protecting brand value and the trust built over time with our international partners,” said the group’s Export Director, Mauro Frantellizzi. “Beyond the current complexity, however, we also see a significant opportunity: pressure from these scenarios is accelerating the search for innovative solutions. A concrete example is the launch of our new frozen line, which allows us to enhance some of our Made in Italy excellences, effectively respond to increasingly frequent logistics challenges and open new commercial opportunities,” he added.
Lactalis also underlined its leadership in Italian PDO cheeses through its PDO division, which includes eight protected denominations: Parmigiano Reggiano, Gorgonzola, Quartirolo Lombardo, Pecorino Toscano, Grana Padano, Taleggio, Montasio, and Mozzarella di Bufala Campana. The group said its Parmigiano Reggiano from dairy plant number 811, produced by Casearia Castelli, recently won the prestigious Casello d’Oro 2026 award. “PDO products represent the most authentic expression of Italian dairy excellence — a heritage of territory, tradition and quality that we feel privileged and responsible to represent,” said Michele Fochi, Lactalis PDO Division’s General Manager. “The recent Casello d’Oro recognition — the highest award in the world of Parmigiano Reggiano — confirms the value of the work we dedicate every day to these denominations,” he said.
While Tuttofood 2026 provided the backdrop for the announcements, Lactalis positioned the event primarily as a platform to reaffirm its long-term commitment to international expansion, innovation, and the global promotion of Italian dairy excellence.