This significant achievement emerges from the XXII Ismea-Qualivita Report, which analyzed the sector of certified Italian PDO and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) agri-food products. The history of Grana Padano dates back to the year 1135, when Cistercian monks in northern Italy created this hard cheese to preserve surplus milk. Today, centuries later, Grana Padano is synonymous with quality and tradition, produced according to strict standards that guarantee its authenticity.
With a production increase of 4.7% in 2023, Grana Padano has solidified its leadership position, partly thanks to a more accessible pricing strategy compared to other products in the same category, such as Parmigiano Reggiano.
Grana Padano’s excellence isn’t limited to Italy. This cheese is a key player in Italian agri-food exports, which reached a total value of €11.6 billion in 2023, marking a 5.3% growth in European markets. Grana Padano, in particular, represents a significant share of this success. The United States remains the primary destination market for certified Made in Italy products, absorbing 21% of total exports. However, exports to European countries, which continue to see rising demand, confirm Grana Padano’s central role on the continental level as well.
The Italian “PDO economy” has grown by 52% over the past decade, contributing 19% to the total turnover of the agri-food sector. With 317 protection consortia and over 194,000 businesses involved, the sector generates nearly 850,000 jobs, 60% of which are in agriculture. Alongside Grana Padano and Parmigiano Reggiano, other PDO products drive exports, such as Prosciutto di Parma (€951 million), Mozzarella di Bufala Campana (€528 million), and Gorgonzola (€430 million). However, none match the impact of Grana Padano, which remains a global symbol of Italian excellence.
Grana Padano’s ability to combine tradition, innovation, and market competitiveness has made it a true ambassador of Made in Italy. As the Italian agri-food sector continues to grow, Grana Padano is set to remain a cornerstone both in Italy and abroad, playing an increasingly central role in international markets.