Parmigiano Reggiano is seeing an extraordinary rise in popularity in Canada, with the country quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing international markets for the iconic Italian cheese. According to the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium’s 2024 performance report, Canada posted an impressive 24.5% increase in imports last year—and momentum is only accelerating.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, imports of Parmigiano Reggiano to Canada surged by 64.0% over the same period in 2024, and an astounding 166.4% compared to Q1 2023. The sharp growth highlights Canadians’ growing appetite for authentic, PDO-certified products that reflect quality, craftsmanship, and culinary heritage.
“Canada’s exceptional 24.5% growth is a testament to the country’s evolving culinary culture and its appreciation for authentic, PDO-certified products like Parmigiano Reggiano,” said Nicola Bertinelli, President of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium. “Canadians are discerning consumers who value transparency and tradition—and we are proud to see our cheese becoming such a beloved part of their lives.”
Marketing and Retail Strategy Fuels Expansion
The Consortium attributes much of the success in Canada to targeted marketing and trade initiatives, which were developed in partnership with leading Canadian retailers and importers. These strategic efforts have significantly increased the brand’s visibility and helped drive consumer demand across key sales channels.
Unlike generic parmesan-style cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano enjoys Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, and the Consortium confirmed that monitoring activities in Canada have found no significant violations—ensuring that the cheese’s reputation remains protected in this fast-growing market.
These developments signal a meaningful shift in Canadian grocery preferences, with premium imports gaining shelf space even in a value-driven retail environment. Parmigiano Reggiano’s growth suggests that Canadian consumers are increasingly willing to invest in quality and authenticity, even amid broader inflationary pressures.
Canadian Demand Reflects Broader Export Growth
While Canada is experiencing one of the most significant spikes in Parmigiano Reggiano imports, the growth is part of a broader international trend. In 2024, total exports rose 13.7%, and international markets now represent 48.7% of total sales for the Consortium.
The United States remains the largest foreign market (+13.4%), followed by key European destinations and Asia-Pacific countries. Canada’s 24.5% growth outpaced nearly all major markets, with only Australia posting a slightly higher figure (+28.2%).
These export gains were part of an overall strong year for the brand. Turnover at consumption reached an all-time high of €3.2 billion in 2024, up from €3.05 billion the year prior (+4.9%). Sales volumes increased by 9.2% globally.
Consumer Education and PDO Recognition Drive Loyalty
A key element of the Consortium’s success in Canada is its effort to educate consumers on what sets Parmigiano Reggiano apart from generic imitations. With €28.4 million invested globally in marketing and communication in 2024, the brand has made consumer awareness a top priority.
Through storytelling, in-store campaigns, and digital media, the Consortium has highlighted the cheese’s unique production methods, regional origin, and long maturation periods. These messages appear to be resonating in the Canadian market, where demand continues to grow across both specialty and mainstream retail channels.
The product’s integrity in Canada has also remained intact. Monitoring efforts confirmed that the Parmigiano Reggiano name is being properly used and protected, with no significant PDO violations reported in the Canadian market.
Strategic Future: Canada as a Long-Term Focus
Looking ahead, the Consortium views Canada as a long-term growth market for Parmigiano Reggiano. While much of the global strategy remains focused on the United States and Europe, Canada’s performance has positioned it as a priority in upcoming marketing and diplomatic initiatives.
“Looking ahead, we must increasingly invest in international market growth,” said Bertinelli. “With exports now nearing half of total sales at 48.7%, creating space in foreign markets is a necessity. Today’s consumers seek products that feature authenticity and heritage—values embodied by Parmigiano Reggiano. Our goal is to make Parmigiano Reggiano not just a cheese, but a lifestyle, a true icon of Italian craftsmanship.”
Despite some concern over rising global trade tensions and tariff risks, particularly in the United States, the Consortium remains optimistic that Canada will continue to offer a receptive and stable market. With strong consumer support, retailer collaboration, and ongoing protection of the PDO designation, Parmigiano Reggiano is well-positioned to grow its Canadian footprint even further.
