Parmigiano Reggiano Proves Increasingly International: The Export Share Exceeds Half of the Total

Parmigiano Reggiano strengthens its global positioning and consolidates value in a complex macroeconomic context according to the 2025 economic data presented by the Consortium during the annual press conference at Palazzo Giureconsulti in Milan. 

Facing a scenario marked by geopolitical crises, uncertainty on international markets and tensions on global trade, the consumer turnover reached 3.96 billion euros. Market dynamics highlight a divergent trend between Italy and abroad. On one hand, international demand continues to grow (+2.7%), reaching over half of the total sell-in (50.5%); on the other, the domestic market records a significant contraction in volumes. 

The data illustrates that in Italy, the increase in consumer prices led to a reduction in purchase frequency and quantities per single act, while maintaining a stable consumer base and supporting the overall value. Parmigiano Reggiano does not lose buyers among Italian families, but it is purchased less often and in smaller portions: the result is a decline in volumes of approximately 10%, against a substantial holding of the turnover. 

On the price front, the strengthening of origin quotations continues: for the 12-month age the annual average stood at €13.22/kg (+20.6% vs 2024), while for the 24-month age the increase was +24.8%, moving from €12.50/kg to €15.59/kg in 2025. 

Production grew compared to the previous year, reaching 4.19 million wheels against the 4.079 million of 2024 (+2.7%). Parma remains the first province by production volumes (1.391 million wheels), followed by Reggio Emilia (1.242 million wheels), Modena (0.918 million wheels), Mantua (0.524 million wheels) and Bologna (0.115 million wheels). 

The Italy share stands at 49.5% (Nielsen Sell-In observatory). At the distributive level, the Large-Scale Retail (GDO) is confirmed as the first channel (65.5%), followed by the industry (17.3%), supported by the growing spread of products containing Parmigiano Reggiano as an ingredient. The Horeca channel remains marginal, at 6.7% of the total, but with significant margins for growth. The remaining 10.5% is distributed through other sales channels. 

2025 marks a further step in the internationalization path of the PDO: the export share exceeds half of the total, standing at 50.5% (equal to 74,980 t.), with a growth of +2.7%. Among the main markets, positive performances were recorded in the United Kingdom (+7.8%, 8,400 t.), in Canada (+8.3%, 3,900 t.), Sweden (+8.8%, 2,500 t.) and Spain (+2,5% , 1.850 t.). Even the United States confirmed a positive trend (+2.3%, 16,800 t.), while volumes destined for France (-0.3%, 14,800 t.) and Germany (+0.1%, 10,400 t.) remained stable. 

Specifically in the United States (the first foreign market for Parmigiano Reggiano), the framework remains complex. The recent introduction of additional duties, which are added to the historical 15% tariff, has brought the overall level to 25%, with the possibility of further increases. To this is added a strong regulatory and operational uncertainty, which is slowing down imports: many operators are waiting for greater clarity before proceeding with new orders. A situation that, along with geopolitical tensions, represents an element of risk for 2026. 

In this context, the Consortium continues to invest in the global positioning of the brand. With investments of approximately 34.3 million euros in marketing and communication, Parmigiano Reggiano strengthens its role as a premium specialty and continues in its path of affirmation as an iconic brand of Made in Italy. Central remains the work on the distinctiveness of the PDO, through greater information to the consumer on aging, origin, production process and organoleptic characteristics. 

During the conference, the new “Tourism Project” was also presented, which marks a strategic evolution for the Consortium where Parmigiano Reggiano becomes a true destination. It is the first organic system initiative that values the territory as a brand-building lever, integrating dairies, farms, hospitality and gastronomic experiences. The project aims to intercept and develop a dedicated tourist flow within a territory that already records approximately 4 million visitors a year, with the objective of moving from approximately 85,000 to 300,000 visitors by 2029. The plan includes direct investments by the Consortium, entirely private and not supported by public funds, with the objective of structuring the hospitality offer and strengthening the link between product and territory, transforming Parmigiano Reggiano into an experience as well as a gastronomic excellence. 

“2025 confirms that Parmigiano Reggiano is increasingly an international product, with an export share that has exceeded half of the total and a premium positioning recognized in the main markets”, shared Nicola Bertinelli, president of the Consortium. “We are doing a great job to strengthen Parmigiano Reggiano as a global icon of Made in Italy, capable of generating value and ensuring good remuneration for the supply chain. At the same time, we must face some important challenges: on one hand the contraction of consumption in Italy; on the other a complex international situation, which penalizes us in particular in the United States, where the regulatory uncertainty on duties and geopolitical tensions are slowing down trade. In this scenario, it will be fundamental to continue to invest in growth in international markets and in the enhancement of the distinctiveness of our product.”