Italy is to retain the exclusive rights to the Parmesan trademark or at least the next two years, agriculture minister Giovanni Alemanno announced yesterday [Thursday].

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


Alemanno reported that the Italian delegation to the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Codex committee meeting on milk and milk products in Wellington, New Zealand, had safeguarded the name.


Protected under EEC Regulation 2081/92, Parmesan cheese is one of a swathe of products to gain PDO recognition (Protected Designation of Origin). Other high-profile products with PDO status include Prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham) and Stilton cheese.


The ruling means that producers of similar dry cheeses outside the Italian region of Parma will still be prohibited to sell their product as Parmesan. They will continue to use names such as “Italian-style premium cheese”.


Parmesan is the accepted English translation of the Italian designation, Parmigiano Reggiano.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now