DalterFood Group Wins Golden Wheel Award for Parmigiano Reggiano Excellence

The DalterFood Group’s Colline del Cigarello e Canossa cheese factory has been awarded the prestigious ‘Casello d’Oro’ prize, a significant honor within the Italian dairy industry. The award, presented by the Consorzio del Parmigiano Reggiano, recognizes excellence in cheese production and was bestowed at the third edition of the Awards event, following previous ceremonies in Paris, and London.

The ‘Casello d’Oro’ isn’t simply a recognition of product quality; it celebrates the entire ecosystem surrounding Parmigiano Reggiano. The prize annually honors cheese factories affiliated with the Consorzio who have triumphed in the “Palii del Parmigiano Reggiano” – competitions that have, for thirteen years, highlighted the skill, regional identity, and authenticity inherent in the DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) production zone.

This year, the Colline del Cigarello e Canossa factory earned the distinction with its 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano, securing first place at the “Palio la Culla” competition held in Ghiardo di Bibbiano. The win was judged by certified tasters from the APR (Associazione Assaggiatori Parmigiano Reggiano), a testament to the rigorous standards of evaluation.

“This recognition motivates us to continue enhancing a supply chain that prioritizes quality, people, and territory,” stated Andrea Guidi, CEO of DalterFood Group. “It also celebrates teamwork and the passion of the cheesemakers who, day after day, uphold a tradition with deep historical roots.”

The award arrives at a moment of continued success for DalterFood Group and Parmigiano Reggiano on the international stage. Recent accolades, including prizes at the World Cheese Awards, the Devon County Show, and recognition at the prestigious Made in Italy awards, underscore the growing global demand for authentic Italian cheeses.

The World Cheese Awards, held in Trondheim, Norway in November 2023, saw Parmigiano Reggiano collectively win 137 medals, including 3 Super Gold and 27 Gold awards, solidifying its position as the most successful product at the competition. DalterFood Group’s own Parmigiano Reggiano contributed to this success, earning multiple awards across different aging categories – 24-29 months, 30-39 months, and 40-50 months – at the Colline del Cigarello e Canossa and Colline di Selvapiana e Canossa cheese factories.

Further demonstrating its commitment to quality, DalterFood Group also recently received recognition at the Devon County Show in May 2024. The company secured six awards, including Gold awards for its Cigarello Dairy Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano 80g (Best Convenience Pack), Canossa Dairy Parmigiano Reggiano Rough Cut (Best Hard Pressed Cheese), and Cigarello Organic Parmigiano Reggiano (Best Organic Cheese). The Devon County Show, a key event for agricultural and farming professionals since 1872, serves as a benchmark for excellence in the industry.

DalterFood Group’s success isn’t limited to awards ceremonies. The company has also been highlighted for its strong position in the UK market. Industry reports indicate that Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano remain highly popular with UK consumers, accounting for 16% of all imported cheese. Fresh cheeses like Mozzarella and Ricotta also perform strongly, representing 42% of all imported cheeses.

The ‘Casello d’Oro’ award, however, represents a particularly significant achievement. It’s a peer-recognized honor within the Parmigiano Reggiano consortium, signifying not just the quality of the cheese itself, but the dedication to the traditions and practices that define this iconic Italian product. The Palio competitions, which determine the winners, are deeply embedded in the regional culture, emphasizing the importance of expertise, local terroir, and authentic production methods.

The DalterFood Group’s two mountain cheese factories – Colline di Selvapiana e Canossa and Cigarello e Canossa – are central to this success. These facilities represent a fully integrated and controlled supply chain, ensuring the highest standards of quality from start to finish. The company’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices further enhances its reputation within the industry.

The win at the ‘Casello d’Oro’ is a clear indication of DalterFood Group’s continued dedication to preserving the legacy of Parmigiano Reggiano. As demand for authentic Italian products continues to grow globally, the company is well-positioned to maintain its leadership role in the market, delivering exceptional quality and upholding the traditions that make Parmigiano Reggiano a beloved cheese worldwide.

The company’s recent awards at the World Cheese Awards 2024-25, as highlighted on LinkedIn, further demonstrate this commitment. Colline del Cigarello e Canossa dairy received Silver awards for its Parmigiano Reggiano produced from Pezzata Rossa Italiana cows aged 24 months, and for its “Product Mountain” certified Parmigiano Reggiano aged over 40 months. Colline di Selvapiana e Canossa dairy earned a Bronze award for its 36-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano.