Renato Zaghini, president of the Grana Padano Protection Consortium

One of the most well-known Italian products in the world Grana Padano, a hard lactose-free cheese with an intense flavor, subject to countless imitations and counterfeits, is experiencing a record phase. "In the first nine months of 2025, an explosive production dynamic was observed in terms of intensity and speed. From January to September, production growth doubled compared to the increase in consumption," announced Stefano Berni, general manager of the Grana Padano Consortium, which brings together over 130 qualified producers.

Three factors have driven this growth. 

The first is the decision to postpone milk sales until early summer, "trusting - as Berni pointed out - in further price increases," with large volumes processed in a short time. 

The second concerns the extraordinary valorization of Grana Padano, with the 9-month cheese reaching 11 euros ($12.7) per kilogram in summer. A price that has made the differentiated contribution sustainable - Berni specified - mitigating its deterrent effect. The third factor is the low demand for milk in August and September, which led many dairies to transform it into Grana Padano. 

The combined effect of these conditions resulted in monthly increase of 7.61 percent in July, 18.62 percent in August, and 16.53 percent in September respectively, reaching record volumes since 2005. A correction in the production price was inevitable.

In 2024, the category of typical Italian hard cheeses recorded a volume of approximately 142,000 tons at the national level, maintaining a stable trend compared to 2023 (+0.3 percent). 

The year 2024 witnessed the average price of hard cheeses, on an annual basis, stood at 16.10 euros per kilogram, marking a growth of +2.1 percent compared to the previous 12 months. 

In particular, Grana Padano was priced at 15.10 euros per kilogram (+2.8 percent), Trentingrana at 15.80 euros per kilogram (+2.6 percent), Parmigiano Reggiano at 18.87 euros per kilogram (+1.2 percent), and other hard cheeses at 13.56 euros per kilogram (+0.2 percent). 

The final data for 2025 will be processed in the coming weeks, but it is already possible to anticipate that the consumer price of Grana Padano has risen to 16.80 euros per kilogram and that of Parmigiano Reggiano to 21.55 euros per kilogram. 

According to Circana data, retail consumption in September 2025 in Italy was very positive, with a 6.9 percent increase bringing Grana Padano protected designation of origin (PDO) nearly to parity (-0.3 percent) since the beginning of this year.

Seasoning cheese products

China among top five

Italian cheese exports are also on the rise. In 2024, exports to the Chinese market saw a leap of 34 percent compared to 2023, driven by the popularity of Italian cuisine and interest in high-quality products. China has become the fifth non-EU destination for Italian cheeses. Among the most sought-after types in the Chinese market are fresh cheeses, such as burrata and mascarpone and aged cheeses, such as Grana Padano and Parmigiano Reggiano, including grated or powdered products. 

How to export to the People's Republic of China? 

Companies must register with the General Administration of Customs of China and meet specific import requirements, including label compliance and the submission of detailed documentation.

Reflective trend in 2025

From January to July, Grana Padano exports to China and the Far East recorded a decline compared to the same period last year: Japan 20,890 wheels (-1.60 percent), China 7,234 wheels (-15.88 percent), other Asian countries 30,992 wheels (-1.44 percent). In all of 2024, the following data was recorded compared to 2023: Japan 34,932 (+33.33 percent), China 12,975 (+18.82 percent), other Asian countries 51,558 (+13.35 percent). 

The decline in the first seven months of 2025 thus appears physiological after the excellent performance of 2024.

"We bring Italian taste and emotions to China," emphasizes Renato Zaghini, president of the Grana Padano Protection Consortium. "While awaiting the developments always lurking in the matter of American tariffs, the promotion and enhancement of the most consumed and appreciated geographical indication cheese in the world continues steadily," added Renato Zaghini. 

Cheese products of Grana Padano Photos: Courtesy of Grana Padano Consorzio

Promotion initiatives

The growing interest of the Chinese population in high-quality Western food products offers a long-term expansion opportunity. President Zaghini is convinced that "promotion activities and greater consumer education on the value of PDO products can consolidate Grana Padano's position in the Chinese market." 

Italy, through initiatives such as participation in trade fairs in China, continues to promote Italian agri-food to strengthen its position and enhance Italian excellence. 

At these events, Grana Padano is also engaged in promotional activities.

"China is a market of great potential, and therefore we aim for growth," Berni points out. 

"However, for now, the Japanese market remains a priority in the Far East, which, based on the 2024 data, is included among the target markets of the strategic plan for 2024-28."