Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium Reaches Record €3.2 Billion in Sales Amid Export Surge

At its annual press conference at Milan’s Palazzo Giureconsulti, the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium reported its 2024 results, marking a historic milestone.
Despite facing a difficult geopolitical climate, global market uncertainty, and rising trade restrictions, the Consortium achieved record turnover at consumption, reaching €3.2 billion—a 4.9% increase over 2023’s €3.05 billion.
Sales volumes grew by 9.2%, driven by strong domestic demand (+5.2%) and even stronger export growth (+13.7%).

Producer prices also rose in 2024: the average price for 12-month matured Parmigiano Reggiano increased by 9% to €11.0/kg, while the 24-month matured variety rose by 5% to €12.5/kg. Production remained steady, with 4.079 million wheels produced, up 1.62% from 2023.

In terms of production by province, Parma led with 1,362,226 wheels (+0.87%), followed by Reggio Emilia, Modena, Mantua, and Bologna. Italy accounted for 51.3% of overall sales, with large retailers dominating distribution (65%), followed by food manufacturers (18%), Ho.Re.Ca (7%), and other channels (10%). Direct sales from cheese factories contributed 5.5% of total sales, showing a significant +13.0% increase.

Exports, now representing 48.7% of total sales (72,440 tons), were key to the Consortium’s 2024 success. Major export markets performed strongly: the US (+13.4%), France (+9.1%), Germany (+13.3%), the UK (+17.8%), and Canada (+24.5%). Japan (+6.1%) and Australia (+28.2%) also posted gains. With €28.4 million invested in marketing and communication, the Consortium continues its effort to position Parmigiano Reggiano as a global premium brand, emphasizing its PDO distinction, maturation, origin, and authentic taste.

Consortium President Nicola Bertinelli emphasized that 2024, despite its challenges, delivered record achievements. He stressed the importance of further expanding into international markets, particularly the United States, despite recent concerns about rising tariffs. Bertinelli called for collective action at the European Union level to address tariff issues and reaffirmed the Consortium’s mission to strengthen Parmigiano Reggiano’s global identity — not merely as a cheese, but as a symbol of Italian tradition and craftsmanship.

(Source: delimarketnews.com)