Grana Padano: Italy's Olympic Cheese Powerhouse

Grana Padano, a staple in Italian households and a significant portion of the nation's hard cheese sales, is now a prominent sponsor of the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games. The consortium behind the cheese is allocating around $6.5 million to this campaign, featuring Grana Padano in athletes' villages and marketing materials, positioning it as a key ally for sports enthusiasts.

This Olympic presence is part of a broader strategy by Italy to leverage international attention through its food exports, which generated a record $70 billion in 2025. Grana Padano producers have invested in scientific research to highlight the cheese's high protein content, supporting its image as a healthy energy source. This aligns with Italy's use of 'protected designation of origin' products as a form of soft power.

While Grana Padano and Parmigiano-Reggiano are celebrated national treasures, concerns exist about larger brands overshadowing Italy's diverse regional cheeses. However, the increased visibility of major Italian food products at international events like the Olympics is seen as beneficial for the entire country's culinary reputation and economic standing.