A Night of Celebration for Parmigiano Reggiano
On February 11, 2026, the prestigious Casello d’Oro Awards took center stage at the iconic Real Casino de Madrid. This annual event, organized by the Consorzio del Parmigiano Reggiano, celebrated the finest dairies from the region, honoring the champions of the 2025 Parmigiano Reggiano Palii. Following successful editions in Paris and London, Madrid was the perfect setting for this blend of culinary tradition, lifestyle, and haute gastronomy.
Honoring Excellence: The Winning Dairies
During the evening, the spotlight shone on the 13 winning dairies of the 2025 Palii, each representing the pinnacle of craftsmanship within the Parmigiano Reggiano production landscape. The event was not merely an awards ceremony but a celebration of the rich cultural heritage behind this beloved cheese.
- Latteria Sociale La Mezzanese (Sorbolo Mezzani, PR) – Winner of the Palio dell’Artigianato di Soragna
- Colline di Canossa Cigarello (Carpineti, RE) – Winner of the Palio Bibbiano la Culla
- Rastelli Fratelli (Rubbiano, PR) – Winner of the Palio di Pellegrino Parmense
- 4 Madonne Caseificio dell’Emilia (Valsamoggia plant, BO) – Winner of the Palio Città di Casina
- Caseificio Bucamante (Serramazzoni, MO) – Winner of the Palio del Frignano
- Caseificio Croce (Pegognaga, MN) – Winner of the Palio dei Caseifici dell’Oltrepò Mantovano
- Caseificio Sociale di Monzato (Traversetolo, PR) – Winner of the Palio di Montechiarugolo
- Caseificio Sociale Castellazzo (Campagnola Emilia, RE) – Winner of the Palio di San Lucio
- Caseificio Sociale Fior di Latte (Gaggio Montano, BO) – Winner of the Palio di San Petronio
- 4 Madonne Caseificio dell’Emilia (Lesignana plant, MO) – Winner of the Palio GustiaMo
- Oratorio San Giorgio (Carpi, MO) – Winner of the Palio GustiaMo with 40-month maturation
- Casearia Castelli Srl (Reggio Emilia) – Winner of the Palio Teatro della Natura
Additionally, Caseificio Sociale di Monzato received two Special Mentions for the Parmigiano Reggiano with the best structure and the best aromatic profile, affirming its position as a leader in quality.
A Toast to Tradition: Culinary Innovation at the Awards
The evening was elevated by a unique signature cocktail, “Combinación Italiana,” crafted by Giorgio Bargiani, Assistant Director of Mixology at The Connaught in London. This cocktail, a harmonious blend of sherry, vermouth, and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO, was designed specifically to complement the complex flavors of 24 and 40-month Parmigiano Reggiano.
As guests savored this exquisite drink, they were reminded that Parmigiano Reggiano is more than just an ingredient—it represents a lifestyle that marries centuries-old tradition with contemporary culinary trends. The event showcased how this iconic cheese can elevate dining experiences and foster a sense of community.
Strengthening International Ties: The Impact on the Spanish Market
Spain is rapidly becoming a pivotal market for Parmigiano Reggiano, importing over 1,800 tons annually, with a growth rate of +2.5% year-on-year. This growth surpasses the average foreign growth rate of +2.3%, showcasing the increasing popularity of Italian culinary excellence within Spanish gastronomy.
The event also marked the launch of a robust multichannel media campaign aimed at boosting brand awareness in Spain, with an investment of approximately 1 million euros. The campaign features a 20-second commercial titled “Più grande, insieme” (Greater, Together), which aims to connect the heritage of Parmigiano Reggiano with modern consumer values.
As highlighted by the Italian Ambassador to Spain, Giuseppe Buccino Grimaldi, the close ties between Italian and Spanish culinary cultures present a unique opportunity for the Parmigiano Reggiano brand to further establish its presence in the market.
A Bright Future for Parmigiano Reggiano
The third edition of the Casello d’Oro Awards successfully illuminated the importance of celebrating heritage while embracing the future. With increasing exports and growing popularity in international markets like Spain, Parmigiano Reggiano is poised to become a central figure in the global culinary landscape.
For food and beverage professionals, the lessons from this event are clear: quality, tradition, and innovation must go hand in hand in order to thrive in the competitive hospitality industry. As Parmigiano Reggiano continues to evolve, it invites chefs, restaurateurs, and food enthusiasts alike to explore its diverse applications and celebrate its storied legacy.
Share your thoughts! How do you see the role of traditional products like Parmigiano Reggiano in contemporary gastronomy? Comment below!
For more insights into food and beverage trends, check out our articles on Parmigiano Reggiano trends and the growth of Italian cuisine worldwide.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
