If you think of a wheel of Parmigiano, what comes to mind?
A surprising flavor, an unforgettable aroma, and that inimitable texture that many have tried, in vain, to replicate.
But above all, the hot iron brand, which certifies the genuineness of each wheel.
Only cheese produced according to the rules of the Production Specification can bear the official mark of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, but let's take a step back.
From the Middle Ages to the birth of the Consortium
Parmigiano Reggiano has a long history that began here, in a corner of Emilia Romagna, centuries and centuries ago.
The production process originated around 1200, within the walls of castles and monasteries that dotted the Po. If we exclude the technological evolution of tools and machinery, not much has changed since then.
It was the summer of '34 when representatives of dairies from Parma, Reggio, Modena, and Mantua decided to approve a brand to make their cheese unique and protect its unmistakable taste.
This was the primordial core of what is now the Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Consortium.
The protection of the Parmigiano Reggiano brand
Parmigiano is one of the most imitated Italian products worldwide.
On the shelves of European and transatlantic hypermarkets, until a few years ago, dairy products labeled as parmesan were easily found, which had nothing to do with true Parmigiano Reggiano (with a capital P).
The main task of the Consortium, in fact, is the protection of the designation of origin and the safeguarding of the cheese's characteristics.
In 1992, the EU regulation on Protected Designations of Origin came into force, and Parmigiano was recognized as one of these at a European level.
Crucial for the protection of the product is adherence to the rules contained in the Production Specification and conformity to the organoleptic characteristics: shape, dimensions, appearance of the paste, nutritional properties, and much more.
The initiatives of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium
Another function of the Consortium is to promote and enhance Parmigiano Reggiano.
This task is carried out through initiatives, including advertising and commercial ones.
At least once, you will have seen a TV commercial dedicated to our sublime cheese.
Let's see how many of you remember... Pa Pa Pa, Pa Parmigiano!
But the initiatives are not limited to institutional communication.
Last year, during the truce granted by Covid19, the Festival of open dairies was organized in Reggio Emilia.
In general, 2021 was a positive year for Parmigiano production, which saw a +3.9%, a sign that unity makes strength even in difficult times.
To date, more than 300 dairies have joined the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, including ours.
Caseificio San Simone also has a beautiful history that began in 1902... but we'll tell you about that another time.
