The demand for imported cheeses has surged over the past few years. 

According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), the United States imported more than $1.57 billion in cheese in 2021, making it the seventh largest importer of cheese in the world.

Consumers’ hunger for global flavors will likely continue to grow in 2025 and beyond, said Jenny Englert, marketing director for Saputo USA. 

Grana cheeses like Saputo’s Stella brand Grana Padano, she said, will be among the big beneficiaries.

“A key driving factor behind the demand of imported cheeses is flavor,” Englert said. "Flavor allures consumers to explore unique texture and flavor profiles that may have otherwise been overlooked. Additionally, the unique stories behind some of these long-standing cheeses are also appealing, and Grana Padano is no exception.”

Known for its grana — or grainy — texture, Grana Padano cheese is a hard, straw-colored cheese hailing from Northern Italy’s Po Valley.

Made from partially skimmed cow’s milk, Stella Grana Padano is noticeably high in protein and other nutrients, Englert said.

It’s often compared to Parmigiano Reggiano, she added. A big difference between the two cheeses is that Grana Padano is handmade year-round and aged for shorter periods of time, which has a significant impact on its flavor.

“Many cheese aficionados praise its mellow, nutty flavor, which pairs perfectly with dried fruit and nuts,” Englert said.

Consumers also like the diversity of Grana Padano, she added. It has a subtle yet savory flavor, making it a diverse cheese option for pastas and sauces.

A featured recipe using Stella Grana Padano is a mushroom and pea risotto, utilizing the cheese to tie the dish together with nutty, salty flavors to complement the earthy notes of mushrooms, and natural sweetness of peas. Saputo also recommends pairing Stella Grana Padano with a light wine like Prosecco or Rosé.

Centuries of craftsmanship

Atalanta’s Il Villaggio Grana Padano is made in the same tradition as it was when it was first made more than 800 years ago.

It was the first cheese to receive high distinction by the European Union with its Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) recognition. And as one of Italy’s oldest cheeses, it has deep ties to Italian culture, food and otherwise.

“Intensely flavorful, our Grana Padano is aged for at least 18 months, ensuring its vast appeal,” according to Atalanta.

Intended initially for aristocrats in the 12th century, Grana Padano quickly became a favorite of all Italians. Grana, the Italian word for grain, is a hard, aged, granular cheese. Padano refers to the Po Valley where the cheese is made. Grana Padano is produced in five regions of Northern Italy.

Il Villaggio Grana Padano is a hard, fine-grain cheese, with a light straw color.

Grana Padano cheeses can be sold after nine months, but Il Villaggio Grana Padano ages for 18 months, which intensifies the flavor and aroma and creates consistency. It takes 16 quarts of milk to make 2.2 pounds of Grana Padano, which accounts for its richness.

With fruity overtones that evoke pineapple or strawberry, the flavor may change slightly depending on the season. Grana Padano is milder than Parmigiano Reggiano. It’s perfect for grating over Italian dishes such as risotto and can also be flaked over salads and carpaccios (raw beef), according to Atalanta.

Earlier this year, the company put a new twist on grana with twist and grate packaging, which includes a grater with the cheese itself.

An American twist

BelGioioso’s American Grana is a premium parmesan cheese that’s allowed to mature a minimum of 18 months on wooden shelves in the company’s special caves.

During this process, each wheel is hand-turned to ensure proper aging and develop its deep, nutty flavor and granular texture. American Grana is made exclusively by BelGioioso.

There are many ways to enjoy this cheese, according to the company: “Chunk for snacks or cheeseboards with fresh grapes. Shred, shave or grate for salads, pastas, pizzas, meatballs and vegetables. Add the rind to homemade soups or sauces for extra flavor.”

American Grana pairs perfectly with grapes, figs, apples, cured meats, breadsticks, red wine and beer, and a variety of other foods and beverages, according to BelGioioso.