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Exploring Italy's Unique Cheese Banking System for Parmigiano Reggiano

KVIA•Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 4:01 AM•CNN Newsource

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AI Summary

In Emilia-Romagna, Italy, a specialized banking system allows dairy producers to use Parmigiano Reggiano cheese as collateral for loans. This innovative approach helps farmers manage cash flow while their cheese ages for up to 40 months. The Credem Bank has been pivotal in this process, handling around 2.3 million cheese wheels annually and safeguarding approximately $382 million in value. However, rising production costs and regulatory uncertainties, particularly in the U.S. market, pose challenges for the industry. As international demand grows, producers must navigate these financial pressures to sustain their operations.

Key Details: • Credem Bank has been using cheese as collateral for over a century. • Parmigiano Reggiano must age for at least 12 months before sale. • The U.S. market saw a 2.3% growth in demand for Parmigiano Reggiano. • Export sales exceeded 50% of total sales for the first time in 2025. • Producers face rising costs due to inflation and geopolitical tensions.

economy agriculture banking cheese parmigiano-reggiano

People & Organizations

United StatesEmilia-RomagnaGiancarlo RavanettiFabrizio RaimondiPaolo GanzerliCredem BankParmigiano Reggiano ConsortiumGranterre

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