Parmigiano Reggiano’s long-term expansion in the United States will depend on far more than rising sales volumes. Its future growth, according to industry leaders, hinges on a deeper transformation: embedding the cheese into everyday American food culture and consumer habits rather than positioning it solely as a premium imported specialty.
This central theme was highlighted during “Inside Parmigiano Reggiano’s U.S. Growth,” an institutional and public relations panel organized by the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium on June 28 at Summit One Vanderbilt in New York City. The event brought together stakeholders from retail, distribution, media, sports, institutions, and the Italian-American business community to discuss the next phase of development for the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product in North America.
The discussion was led by Nicola Bertinelli and moderated by journalist Francesca Forcella. The panel focused on how Parmigiano Reggiano can evolve from a well-known imported cheese into a culturally embedded premium ingredient—one that resonates with everyday American cooking, dining, and retail experiences. Participants also examined how retailers, distributors, and food industry partners can help consumers better understand the product’s authenticity, traceability, and versatility.
Strong U.S. demand despite economic uncertainty
Recent data shared by the Consortium shows that the United States remains the most important foreign market for Parmigiano Reggiano. Exports to the U.S. increased by 2.5% in the first five months of 2026 compared with the same period the previous year, reaching approximately 7,000 tons. This growth comes despite ongoing economic challenges, including inflationary pressures, currency fluctuations, and tariff-related uncertainties.
Even in a volatile environment, consumer demand has remained resilient. Shoppers continue to choose authentic Parmigiano Reggiano over imitation Italian-style hard cheeses, driven by its reputation for quality, origin protection, and production standards. This loyalty is reflected in broader performance indicators: in 2025, total consumer turnover reached €3.96 billion, with more than 4.19 million wheels produced globally. Exports now represent over half of total sales, underscoring the product’s strong international positioning.
In fact, Parmigiano Reggiano’s global export share reached 50.5% in 2025 (74,980 tons), marking a 2.7% year-over-year increase. Within this global footprint, the United States has strengthened its position as the leading export destination, with shipments rising 2.3% to 16,800 tons—accounting for roughly 22% of all exports.
From imported specialty to cultural icon
During the panel discussion, Nicola Bertinelli emphasized that the key challenge is not simply expanding awareness, but fundamentally reshaping how the product is integrated into daily life.
“The question we want to ask ourselves is not merely how to increase awareness, but how to become part of Americans’ habits, actions, and daily lives,” he explained. “How do we transition from being an imported specialty product to becoming a culturally relevant premium icon?”
He further stressed the importance of emotional connection with consumers, not just commercial visibility. According to him, Parmigiano Reggiano’s growth strategy in the U.S. involves increased investment in communication, stronger collaboration with retail partners, and better education across the supply chain.
This includes training for professionals who handle the product at every stage—from cutting and portioning to presentation and recommendation in stores and foodservice environments. The goal is to ensure that consumers not only recognize the name Parmigiano Reggiano but also understand its uniqueness, production standards, and value proposition.
“We need to establish Parmigiano Reggiano as a recognizable protagonist of contemporary American food culture,” Bertinelli noted, underscoring the Consortium’s ambition to position the cheese as a staple ingredient rather than a niche import.
Economic impact across the supply chain
The event also highlighted the broader economic impact of Parmigiano Reggiano’s presence in the United States. Beyond export figures, each wheel of cheese entering the American market generates activity across a wide value chain that includes importing, logistics, distribution, retail operations, foodservice, marketing, and professional training.
This interconnected ecosystem supports thousands of jobs across both Italy and the United States, reinforcing the idea that Parmigiano Reggiano’s success is a shared economic story between the two countries rather than a one-sided export narrative. Industry participants emphasized that growth in demand benefits not only Italian producers but also American businesses involved in storage, transportation, retail, and culinary services.
Institutional and industry participation
The panel included contributions from representatives of the National Italian American Foundation and the Italian Trade Agency, both of which play key roles in strengthening cultural and commercial ties between Italy and the United States.
Closing remarks were delivered by Nicola Bertinelli alongside Marco Peronaci and Francesco Lollobrigida. Their participation underscored the strategic importance of Parmigiano Reggiano not only as a food product, but also as a symbol of bilateral trade and cultural exchange.
Strong institutional turnout and industry alignment
The evening brought together more than 100 representatives from across the American and Italian food ecosystem, including retail executives, importers, distributors, trade associations, media professionals, and institutional stakeholders. The diversity of attendees highlighted the product’s cross-sector relevance and its expanding influence within global food trade discussions.
Participants also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between Italian producers and North American partners to ensure consistent quality, strengthen brand positioning, and support consumer education efforts.
Presence at Summer Fancy Food Show 2026
In addition to the New York panel discussion, the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium is actively participating in the Summer Fancy Food Show 2026, one of the most important events for the specialty food sector in North America.
At the exhibition, Parmigiano Reggiano is engaging with industry professionals, buyers, and stakeholders at Booth 2818. The space is dedicated to product tastings, business meetings, and in-depth discussions focused on the PDO’s market strategy, culinary applications, and long-term growth opportunities in the United States.
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