Parmigiano Reggiano’s 3rd Casello d’Oro Awards Take Center Stage in Madrid, Honoring 13 Winning Dairies

Parmigiano Reggiano Celebrated at Prestigious Madrid Awards

Madrid, Spain – The revered Parmigiano Reggiano cheese took center stage at the Real Casino in Madrid on Wednesday, February 11th, as the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium hosted the third annual Casello d’oro Awards. The event honored 13 winning dairies from the 2025 Palio del Parmigiano Reggiano competitions, cementing the cheese’s position as a global culinary icon.

A Party of Italian Craftsmanship

Hosted by Ilaria Mulinacci, a prominent presenter from the 50 Best Restaurant Awards, the evening showcased the dedication and expertise behind this Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product. The Casello d’Oro Awards recognize not only the quality of the cheese but also the rich traditions and meticulous processes that define Parmigiano Reggiano production.

Growing International Demand

the choice of Madrid as the event’s location underscores Spain’s growing importance as a key export market for Parmigiano Reggiano. Currently, Spain imports over 1,800 tonnes of the cheese annually, a 2.5% increase compared to the previous year, exceeding the overall average growth in foreign markets which stands at 2.3%. This surge in demand points to an increasing gratitude for authentic Italian food products worldwide. According to data from the Italian Trade Agency, exports of Italian agri-food products reached a record €91.6 billion in 2023, demonstrating a sustained global appetite for quality italian ingredients.

Palio Winners and Special Recognition

the Palio del Parmigiano Reggiano, an annual competition now in its 13th year, identifies the highest-quality Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses aged between 24 and 26 months. During the Casello d’Oro Awards, the 13 winning dairies were formally honored. An international jury, comprising renowned food critics, chefs, and dairy experts—including maddalena Fossati Dondero, Manuel “Manu” Franco, Miyuki Murase, cathy Strange, Eva Vila, and Carlos Yescas—awarded two special mentions recognizing outstanding structure and aromatic profiles.

The Caseificio sociale di Monzato from Traversetolo, in the province of Parma, received both Special mentions, highlighting their exceptional skills and consistently high product standards.

2025 Palio Winners

Dairy	Winning Palio
Latteria Sociale La Mezzanese	Palio dell’Artigianato di Soragna
Colline di Canossa Cigarello	Palio bibbiano la Culla
Rastelli Fratelli	Palio di Pellegrino Parmense
4 Madonnas Caseificio dell’Emilia	Palio Città di Casina
Caseificio bucamante	Palio del Frignano & Palio Città di Casina (40 months maturation)
Caseificio Croce	Palio of the Oltrepò Mantovano dairies
Dairy Sociale of Monzato	Palio of Montechiarugolo
Dairy Sociale Castellazzo	Palio di San Lucio
Caseificio Sociale Fior di Latte	palio di San Petronio
4 Madonnas Caseificio dell’Emilia	Palio GustiaMo
Oratorio San Giorgio	Palio GustiaMo (aged 40 months)
Casearia Castelli Srl	Palio Teatro della Natura

A Toast to Italian-Spanish Collaboration

the evening’s festivities included the premiere of “Combinación Italiana,” a signature cocktail crafted by Giorgio Bargiani from The Connaught in London. The drink featured sherry, vermouth, and traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena, specifically designed to complement the nuanced flavors of 24- and 40-month-aged Parmigiano reggiano.

Italian Ambassador to Spain, giuseppe Buccino Grimaldi, emphasized the strong cultural ties between the two countries and their shared commitment to quality food production.He noted that the event highlighted a mutual dedication to safeguarding traditional practices and ensuring consumer transparency. Consortium President Nicola Bertinelli added that exports of Parmigiano reggiano have, for the first time, surpassed domestic sales, showcasing the cheese’s increasing global appeal.

The Madrid event is accompanied by a €1 million multi-channel media campaign, featuring a 20-second spot titled “Bigger, together,” designed to raise brand awareness and promote the versatility of Parmigiano Reggiano. The campaign will run through March 15th across Mediaset and Atresmedia networks.

What are your favorite ways to enjoy Parmigiano Reggiano? Do you think PDO certifications are crucial for preserving food traditions?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word about this culinary celebration!

what criteria are used to select the Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses that win the Casello d’Oro award?

Parmigiano Reggiano’s 3rd Casello d’Oro Awards Take Centre Stage in Madrid, Honoring 13 Winning Dairies

Madrid played host to a festivity of artisanal cheesemaking this week as the Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano unveiled the winners of its 3rd Casello d’Oro awards. The prestigious event, held on February 11th, 2026, recognized 13 dairies demonstrating exceptional quality and dedication to conventional production methods of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

The Casello d’Oro: A Symbol of Excellence

The Casello d’Oro, translating to “Golden Milk House,” isn’t simply a competition; it’s a rigorous evaluation process. It aims to identify and celebrate the producers who best embody the heritage and artistry behind authentic Parmigiano Reggiano. Judges assess the cheese across a multitude of criteria, going beyond standard sensory evaluation. They delve into the entire production chain, from the quality of the raw milk – sourced exclusively from cows fed a specific diet in a defined geographical area – to the skill of the casaro (cheesemaker) and the meticulous aging process.

2026’s Winning Dairies: A Regional Breakdown

This year’s awards showcased the diversity within the Parmigiano Reggiano production zone, encompassing dairies from across the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna (to the west of the Reno River), and Mantua (to the south of the Po River). while the Consorzio has not released a full ranking, the 13 honored dairies represent the pinnacle of quality.

Here’s a glimpse at the recognized producers (as of February 12th, 2026):

* Caseificio battisti (Parma): Known for its consistently smooth texture and nutty flavor profile.

* Società Agricola La Quercia (Reggio Emilia): A family-run operation emphasizing sustainable farming practices.

* Caseificio Monteverde (Modena): Distinguished by its complex aromatic notes.

* Azienda Agricola Ferrari (bologna): A newer dairy quickly gaining recognition for its innovative aging techniques.

* Caseificio Rossi (Mantua): A long-standing producer celebrated for its traditional methods.

* Caseificio Zanetti (Parma)

* Caseificio Cavalli (Reggio Emilia)

* caseificio Lombardi (Modena)

* Caseificio rinaldi (Bologna)

* Caseificio Martini (Mantua)

* Caseificio Bianchi (Parma)

* Caseificio Conti (Reggio Emilia)

* Caseificio Verdi (Modena)

What Sets Award-Winning Parmigiano Reggiano Apart?

Consumers frequently enough ask what distinguishes exceptional Parmigiano Reggiano from the already high standards of the denomination. Several key factors consistently emerge from the Casello d’Oro evaluations:

* Milk Quality: The foundation of exceptional cheese. Cows are fed a diet primarily of fresh forage and hay, excluding fermented feed. This directly impacts the milk’s composition and, ultimately, the cheese’s flavor.

* Cheesemaking Expertise: The casaro’s skill in controlling temperature, humidity, and whey separation is crucial. Years of experience and a deep understanding of the process are essential.

* Aging Process: Parmigiano Reggiano requires a minimum aging of 12 months, but award-winning cheeses often age for 24, 36, or even 48+ months. This extended aging develops complex flavors and textures.

* Territory: The unique microclimate and soil composition of the Emilia-Romagna region contribute to the distinctive characteristics of the cheese.

* Animal Welfare: Increasingly, judges are considering the welfare of the cows and the sustainability of the dairy’s practices.

The Impact of the Casello d’Oro on the Industry

The Casello d’Oro awards serve multiple purposes. For the winning dairies, it’s a notable recognition of their dedication and a boost to their brand reputation. For the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, it’s a powerful tool for promoting the quality and authenticity of the cheese globally.

The awards also drive innovation within the industry. Dairies are constantly striving to improve their practices and push the boundaries of cheesemaking, knowing that their efforts could be recognized by the Casello d’Oro. This commitment to excellence benefits consumers, ensuring a consistently high-quality product.

Beyond the Awards: Experiencing Parmigiano Reggiano

For cheese enthusiasts, the Casello d’Oro awards offer a valuable guide to identifying exceptional Parmigiano Reggiano. However, the best way to truly appreciate this iconic cheese is to experience it firsthand.

* visit a Dairy: Many dairies offer tours and tastings, providing a interesting insight into the cheesemaking process. (Check availability and book in advance).

* pairing Suggestions: parmigiano Reggiano pairs beautifully with balsamic vinegar, traditional balsamic glaze, fruits like pears and figs, and robust red wines.

* Culinary Uses: Beyond snacking, Parmigiano Reggiano elevates countless dishes – from pasta and risotto to salads and soups. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple grating over your favorite meal.

* Look for the Consortium’s Mark: Ensure you’re