AfiDop, the association representing Italian cheeses with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), participated in the 2025 edition of the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York, reinforcing its commitment to promoting certified Italian dairy products in the United States—one of the most strategically important export markets outside the European Union.
At the trade event, Italian protection Consortia showcased a range of PDO and PGI cheeses, underscoring their authenticity and quality at a time when global supply chains and food standards face mounting pressure from trade disputes and imitation products.
“Italian PDO and PGI cheeses represent the excellence of a cultural and gastronomic heritage that is unparalleled globally,” said Antonio Auricchio, President of AfiDop. “Once again this year, our participation in the Summer Fancy Food Show was vital for defending and promoting these products, particularly in the face of tariffs and the persistent issue of counterfeit goods.”
Auricchio added that he had communicated to U.S. authorities the importance of protecting authentic Italian food products, with the aim of securing stronger safeguards for Italy’s culinary heritage.
GALA DINNER HIGHLIGHTS AFIDOP CULTURAL DIPLOMACY
AfiDop took part in a gala dinner held at Gotham Hall in New York on 28 June, in celebration of Italy’s candidacy for UNESCO recognition of its national cuisine as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The event brought together approximately 300 guests from Italy and abroad, including institutional representatives, food industry leaders, and cultural ambassadors.
For the third consecutive year, AfiDop curated a tasting station as part of the pre-dinner aperitif, offering attendees the opportunity to sample a selection of Italy’s most representative PDO cheeses. A dedicated cheese cart also featured during the dessert course, with several varieties incorporated into the evening’s official menu. A highlight of the evening was the ceremonial opening of a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano PDO engraved with the UNESCO logo, a symbolic gesture linking gastronomic tradition with cultural identity.
U.S. CONFIRMED AS TOP NON-EU EXPORT MARKET
The United States remains the leading non-EU market for Italian PDO and PGI cheese exports. In 2024, export volumes reached 33,600 tonnes—up 10% from the previous year—generating €425 million in revenue. Grana Padano, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Pecorino Romano accounted for 95% of total PDO exports to the U.S., reflecting strong and sustained demand from American consumers for premium-quality, certified products.
TRADE TENSIONS AND ‘ITALIAN SOUNDING’ PERSIST
Despite robust growth, the sector continues to contend with structural challenges. Chief among them are the potential reimposition of U.S. tariffs on European agricultural goods—currently suspended until 9 July. A 20% increase in duties would represent an estimated €150 million in added customs costs for Italian producers, significantly undermining their competitiveness in the American market.
Compounding these concerns is the ongoing issue of “Italian-sounding” products—domestically produced imitations that appropriate Italian branding and imagery without adhering to PDO standards. Such practices dilute brand equity and erode consumer trust in the authenticity of Made in Italy products.
ONGOING ADVOCACY AND CONSUMER EDUCATION
AfiDop reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Consortia in their promotional and educational initiatives in the U.S., aiming to raise awareness around the importance of PDO and PGI certifications. These activities are part of a broader effort to differentiate genuine Italian products from imitations and to build consumer literacy around food origin, traceability, and quality.
With the U.S. accounting for 82% of volume and 87% of value in Italy’s non-EU dairy exports, AfiDop’s continued presence in the market reflects a broader strategy: to position PDO and PGI cheeses not only as food products but as cultural ambassadors for Italy’s unique gastronomic identity.