Could Parmesan Become a Rare Product in the Future?
In the birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano, in northern Italy, the record-breaking temperature rise is beginning to weaken an industry that relies on a precise balance between climate, livestock, and expertise. According to Reuters, extreme heat episodes are significantly increasing production costs and putting pressure on the entire value chain of the famous Italian cheese.
The Problem Starts on Farms
When temperatures regularly exceed 35 to 40 °C, cows suffer from heat stress: they consume less food and produce less milk. Since Parmigiano Reggiano depends exclusively on local milk that meets strict specifications, a decrease in milk production can directly translate to a potential decrease in the number of wheels produced.
Climate Change Threatens Volumes and Costs
However, climate change not only threatens volumes but also disrupts costs. Farmers must now invest more in cooling equipment, such as fans and misting systems, to protect animals during periods of intense heat. This additional energy bill reduces the margins of farms.
Heat Affects Manufacturing Stages
Parmesan must age for several months or even years in warehouses where temperature and humidity must be perfectly controlled. According to information reported by Reuters, some aging sites have recorded a significant increase in energy consumption during heatwaves. Magazzini Generali delle Tagliate (MGT), which stores over 500,000 wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano worth more than 300 million euros, indicated that its energy needs increased by about 30% during periods of extreme temperatures.
Economic and Environmental Challenges
For producers, the challenge is now economic as much as environmental: maintaining the quality of a premium product while absorbing a continuous increase in costs. In the face of this new climate reality, industry players are accelerating their investments: better-insulated buildings, more efficient energy solutions, modern cooling equipment, and increased use of renewable energy.
