What is Grana Padano's role in the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games?

Grana Padano is a prominent sponsor of the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games, featured in athletes' villages and marketing, promoting itself as a healthy snack for sports enthusiasts.

How much is Grana Padano's consortium spending on Olympic promotion?

The Grana Padano cheese consortium is investing approximately $6.5 million in its Olympic campaign.

How does Italy use food exports like Grana Padano?

Italy strategically uses food exports such as Grana Padano as a form of soft power to leverage international attention and enhance its global culinary reputation.

Home / Lifestyle / Grana Padano: Italy's Olympic Cheese Powerhouse

Grana Padano: Italy's Olympic Cheese Powerhouse

14 Feb

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Summary

Grana Padano is the official cheese of the Milan-Cortina Games.
The cheese consortium is spending $6.5 million promoting Grana Padano.
Italy uses food exports like Grana Padano as soft power globally.

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.