Grana Padano PDO cheese has been a part of Italy's proud gastronomic heritage for almost 1000 years. A staple in Italian cuisine, it is crafted in the Po River Valley (Pianura Padana) in Northern Italy using raw, partially skimmed milk obtained through natural surfacing of the cream. Its name reflects both its fine grainy texture—“grana” means “grain” in Italian—and its place of origin. Grana Padano has a mellow, savoury flavour that never overpowers, and is available in different ageing stages, from 9 to over 24 months. It is naturally lactose-free due to its traditional production and long ageing process, and offers unique nutritional benefits, including high-quality proteins, vitamins, and mineral salts—especially calcium. Versatile and delicious, Grana Padano is ideal in every culinary context: enjoyed pure in chunks with your favourite drink, shaved over carpaccio, blended into sauces, topping gratins, or enriching pastas, risottos and soups. It even pairs beautifully with aperitifs or desserts, making it a true ally in the kitchen. Fun facts: It takes 15 litres of milk to produce 1 kg of Grana Padano PDO. 30g of Grana Padano provide the nutritional equivalent of half a litre of milk. 50g deliver 600mg of calcium—60% of the daily adult requirement. The Grana Padano Protection Consortium is a non-profit organisation that brings together producers and affineurs to ensure every wheel meets strict Production Specifications. Only then can it be fire-branded with the Grana Padano mark and awarded PDO status. The Consortium also protects the cheese against fraud and promotes its reputation worldwide. Grana Padano is the world’s most consumed PDO cheese, with over 5.8 million wheels produced in 2024, and 2.6 million exported, confirming its global appeal and trusted quality. Grana Padano is more than a cheese—it’s a legacy of excellence, nutrition, and Italian tradition enjoyed across five continents.