Dec. 30 – “Grana Padano is once again the true ambassador of Italian food products. Since 2006, our production has grown by 13%, and in 2013 our exports increased by +4 %. In addition, an increasing number of quality food representatives are showing their appreciation for Grana Padano as a product of the highest quality by using it in their own recipes,” says Stefano Berni, general manager of Grana Padano. His words are positive, filled with excitement and reassuring, to confirm that, once again, the protected designation of origin cheese is loved, appreciated, recognized and sought after worldwide. Berni painted a picture of the cheese’s yearly trend, noting that in 2013, production reached 4.571.000 forms, “of which 1.500.000 sold abroad.” The Director General of the Grana Padano Consortium also sought to stress that “the primacy of exports goes to Germany (350.000 forms), followed by North America (United States and Canada with 200.000 forms) and Switzerland (also very close to 200.000 forms).” But the good news does not end here. “For the third consecutive year, there has been a strong rise in exports to Russia, among the top ten leading countries, which is the fastest growing country at the moment – pointed out, in fact, the general director of the Consortium. – Our overall production turnover was €1.7 billion, while consumption amounted to €3 billion, in Italy and abroad. The hope, in view of 2014 – concluded Berni – is to continue to be popular in the world as a positive Italian symbol. Hopefully, other Italian products will follow suit to help revitalize our country’s economy.”
