Top Parmigiano Reggiano Picks: Savor Italy's Best Cheese Brands

Parmigiano Reggiano is a cheese that graces tables with its rich, savory flavor and crystalline texture, making it a favorite among cheese lovers worldwide. With a storied history and strict regulations governing its production, choosing the best brand can elevate your culinary creations. From the traditional methods employed by Consorzio Vacche Rosse to the unique flavors offered by Bonat, these brands ensure every wedge embodies the true essence of the famous cheese. If you're curious to explore top-ranking Parmigiano Reggiano brands that promise quality and authenticity, read on below.


Illustration of parmigiano reggiano

Best brands of parmigiano reggiano in 2025

Parmareggio

Parmareggio, founded in 1983 in Montecavolo di Quattro Castella, has emerged as a world leader in the production and sale of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. The brand, acquired by the Granterre Consortium in 2004, represents approximately 1,000 commercial farms and includes 60 individual manufacturers and 36 dairies. Parmareggio is known for its innovative products, such as the "30-Month old" Parmigiano Reggiano EXTRA, which is produced in selected dairies with long curing periods. This product has helped establish Parmareggio as the number one Parmigiano Reggiano brand in Italy, with a strong presence in modern distribution channels and a successful television campaign. The brand's expansion also includes the production, packaging, and sales of butter since its incorporation of Fiordalba Srl and the Modena butter factory in 2009. Learn more about their extraordinary offerings by visiting their official product page.

Zanetti

Zanetti, as a reputable producer of Parmigiano Reggiano, adheres to the stringent standards set by the Consorzio di tutela del Parmigiano Reggiano, ensuring high-quality cheese production. In 2018, the overall production of Parmigiano Reggiano reached a record 3.7 million wheels, with exports exceeding 40% of total production, marking a 5.5% growth from the previous year. The cheese is crafted from raw cow's milk, salt, and rennet, and must be aged for at least 12 months to achieve its official designation. Zanetti's commitment to sourcing milk from specific geographical areas, such as the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, and Modena, ensures the distinctive flavor and quality of Parmigiano Reggiano.

Ambriola

Ambriola is renowned for its high-quality Parmigiano Reggiano, a hard grating cheese made from grass-fed cow's milk and aged up to 24 months, ensuring a sharp, nutty flavor. As a prominent producer, Ambriola contributes to the significant production volumes of Parmigiano Reggiano in Italy, which reached approximately 161,200 tons by the end of 2023. The brand's commitment to traditional handcrafting and strict quality standards aligns with the cheese's Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. In 2018, the overall production of Parmigiano Reggiano saw a record high, with 3.7 million wheels produced, reflecting a 1.35% increase from the previous year. Ambriola's products are part of the expanding global market for Parmigiano Reggiano, with exports exceeding 40% of total production.

Agriform

Agriform is a prominent producer of Parmigiano Reggiano, known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Founded in 1980, the cooperative manages the production, aging, and marketing of various PDO cheeses, including Parmigiano Reggiano. Agriform has a significant presence in the market, with a turnover of about 152 million euros, of which 51.5% comes from foreign markets. The company has expanded its operations, including the acquisition of new cheese factories and a packaging center, and since 2016, it has a production site in Busseto near Parma dedicated to Parmigiano Reggiano. Agriform holds certifications such as UNI EN ISO 9001:2000 and European BRC and IFS standards, ensuring high-quality products.

Granarolo

Granarolo, a prominent dairy company, is recognized for its high-quality production of Parmigiano Reggiano, a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese. In 2023, the overall production of Parmigiano Reggiano in Italy reached approximately 161,200 tons, reflecting a steady increase over the years. Granarolo contributes significantly to this production, leveraging its expertise and strict adherence to traditional methods. For instance, in 2018, the total production of Parmigiano Reggiano wheels was around 3.7 million, with a 1.35% increase from the previous year, and exports accounted for 40% of the market share. The company's commitment to quality and authenticity aligns with the Consortium's efforts to fight counterfeiting and ensure consumer trust.

Cello Riserva

Cello Riserva, though not the original producer of Parmigiano Reggiano, which is exclusively from Italy, is often associated with high-quality selections of this cheese. The Cravero family, who are behind the Cello Riserva brand, have been hand-selecting young wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano from the finest farms in Emilia-Romagna for five generations. These wheels are aged for a full three years to develop a deep flavor profile. In 2017, the overall production of Parmigiano Reggiano in Italy saw a 5.2% increase, reaching a record 3.65 million wheels, which highlights the growing demand and quality of this cheese. For more details on the exquisite Parmigiano Cravero Riserva, you can explore the dedicated page.

Caseificio Gennari

Caseificio Gennari is a renowned producer of Parmigiano Reggiano, founded in 1953 by Sergio and Maria Gennari in Collecchio. The company is distinguished for its rigorous manufacturing process, using 60% of its own milk and adhering to strict quality standards. Initially producing 3 cheese wheels per day, the company expanded to produce 12 wheels in 1974 and later up to 40 wheels per day. Known for its slow and meticulous cheese-ripening process, which can exceed 72 months, Caseificio Gennari ensures top-quality products. The company's commitment to tradition and quality has earned it global recognition and awards, including the World Cheese Awards. For more information, visit the Caseificio Gennari website.

Bertozzi

Parmigiano Reggiano is a renowned cheese produced by various dairy farms and cooperatives in Italy, particularly in the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna, and Mantua. In 2018, the production of Parmigiano Reggiano reached an all-time high with 3.7 million wheels, representing a 1.35% increase over the previous year. The cheese is highly valued, with a turnover of 2.4 billion euros at consumption and an export share exceeding 40%. For more details, visit the official Parmigiano Reggiano website.

Colla

Colla SPA, a renowned dairy producer, stands out as one of the top manufacturers of Parmigiano Reggiano, contributing to the record-breaking 3.7 million wheels of cheese produced in 2018, a year that saw a 1.35% increase in production and a 5.5% growth in export volume. As part of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, Colla SPA plays a significant role in maintaining the high standards of this Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, which achieved a turnover of 2.4 billion euros at consumption in 2018. The brand's commitment to quality is reflected in the steady prices and increasing demand for Parmigiano Reggiano, with exports exceeding 40% of total production. Colla SPA's production is part of the overall growth in Parmigiano Reggiano production, which has seen a steady increase, reaching approximately 161,200 tons by the end of 2023. This consistent growth underscores the brand's importance in the global market for this premium cheese.

Ferrari Giovanni S.p.A.

Ferrari Giovanni S.p.A., known as Ferrari Formaggi, is a prominent producer of high-quality Parmigiano Reggiano PDO, among other cheeses. The company achieved a significant +94% growth in sales from 2018 to 2021, with Germany and France leading the increase. In 2021, their turnover was over 144 million euros, a +5.9% increase from 2020, driven partly by a +15.4% growth in grated cheeses. The company's GranMix line saw a notable +27% growth during this period. Ferrari Formaggi is also investing in environmental sustainability and export expansion, further solidifying its position in the market.


Benjamin
Benjamin

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