Cheese, Italy becomes first in Europe for extra-EU exports

Italy is the leading exporter of cheese in the European Union. It was already so in value and now it is also in volume, thanks to sales that were positive in almost all the major markets in the first half of 2025. This was announced by Assolatte on the basis of the new publication of European Commission data on cheese exports to non-EU countries. A result that allows Italy to overtake Germany and become the leading European exporter also in terms of volumes.

With 97,663 tonnes and 968.2 million euro, our country achieves more than three times the European average growth in the first half of 2025 and surpasses Germany..

In contrast to the general trend, the exceptions were the US, where exports slowed down due to tariffs uncertainty, China and Japan, while the trend was decidedly buoyant in the UK (+5.7%), Norway (+9.3%), Canada (+18.9%), South Korea (+40.8%), Saudi Arabia (+28.4%), Australia (+4.3%), plus many other small markets around the world.

"Overtaking Germany is a strong signal of the Italian dairy industry's ability to expand in all markets and maintain value even in the context of a global downturn," said Paolo Zanetti, president of Assolatte.

"These figures are a historic achievement and are recognition of the extraordinary work of our breeders, dairies and the entire supply chain who, with commitment and passion, bring to the world a heritage of quality, tradition and innovation. Italian cheeses represent not only a gastronomic excellence, but also an identifying element of our culture and territory that is increasingly appreciated abroad,' commented the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida..