In recent years, the Italian dairy sector with a designation of origin has recorded steady growth, consolidating its role as a driving force in the agri-food industry. In 2023, the sector reached a production value of €5.5 billion, marking a 5.3% increase compared to the previous year. The market for PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) cheeses remains a strategic asset for Italian exports, driven by continuously expanding demand and increasing international recognition.
Exports Driving the Sector’s Growth
Exports now account for over 60% of total sector sales, reaching nearly €2.7 billion in 2023, with an exported volume of 254,000 tons—an 11% year-on-year increase. These figures highlight a well-established trend of internationalization, supported by premium positioning and a growing focus on certified quality.
Performance of Key Certified Cheeses
The market is led by several flagship products that have strengthened their international presence.
- Grana Padano recorded a turnover of €1.885 billion, with an 8.8% increase.
- Parmigiano Reggiano reached €1.599 billion (+7%).
- Mozzarella di Bufala Campana also performed well, achieving €528 million (+5.1%).
- Pecorino Romano saw a record growth of 30.8%, reaching €494 million.
France and Germany: Key Growth Markets
Sales in European markets confirm a particularly positive trend. In France, Grana Padano and Parmigiano Reggiano account for over 21% of Italian cheese exports, with a 7% increase in unit sales. The stretched-curd cheese segment is dominated by Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, purchased by over 70% of French consumers in the past 12 months. Meanwhile, demand for Gorgonzola and Pecorino Romano continues to grow, driven by their use in foodservice and the food industry.
In Germany, Italian PDO cheeses are strengthening their position in retail (GDO) and the HoReCa sector. Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano remain the most in-demand cheeses, followed by Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, increasingly used in both food service and retail. Gorgonzola, in both sweet and spicy varieties, is experiencing strong growth, as is Pecorino Romano. Additionally, cheeses such as Montasio and Asiago are finding new market opportunities due to their versatility and the growing interest in products with a strong territorial identity.
Challenges and Opportunities for 2025
Forecasts for 2025 indicate further sector consolidation, with estimated growth in both exported volumes and added value. However, the main challenge remains the volatility of raw material prices, which directly affects production margins. At the same time, international competition demands increasingly targeted strategies to enhance product identity and protect designations of origin.
The premium segment remains the most dynamic, with growing interest in certified cheeses that guarantee quality, traceability, and sustainability—factors that are becoming decisive in the purchasing choices of international buyers.
The global market for Italian certified cheeses is undergoing structured expansion and is well-positioned to seize new opportunities in emerging markets and digital channels. The sector’s success will depend on its ability to innovate while preserving the distinctiveness of Italian dairy tradition, reinforcing its role as a benchmark of excellence in the global agri-food landscape.
