The Consortium for the Protection of Grana Padano is set to reinforce its presence in the Japanese market at ACCI Gusto, to be held on November 16-17, 2026, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center. As part of the “Orient” project, co-funded by the European Union, this initiative aims to deepen the connection between the world’s most consumed PDO cheese and Japan’s professional culinary sector.
Focusing on quality and origin
The participation, organized by the Japanese Association of Italian Chefs, serves as a premier venue for promoting authentic Italian gastronomy, expecting around 4,000 industry professionals. Within the Consortium’s dedicated space, expert Yuko Sato will lead comparative tasting sessions, showcasing the nuances of Grana Padano PDO across its various aging stages: 10-12 months, over 16 months, and the prestigious Riserva.
Defending authenticity on global markets
The strategic importance of this mission was underscored by Stefano Berni, General Manager of the Consortium. “Recent international challenges, specifically attempts in the US to label other products as ‘grana,’ make it crucial to educate professional buyers and chefs on what distinguishes the authentic product,” Berni noted. “Our commitment to the official production standards, territorial heritage, and strict quality controls is a non-negotiable guarantee for our consumers.”
Growth and export performance
Despite global market volatility, Grana Padano continues to demonstrate strong growth. In 2025, the brand exported over 2.7 million wheels, marking a 3% increase. The positive trend has continued into 2026, with exports rising by 2.6% in the first seven months of the year. With 60.87% of its total sales value now originating from international markets, the Consortium remains a cornerstone of Italy’s food exports, supported by a supply chain of 140 companies and 50,000 people dedicated to upholding the tradition established in 1954.