The 2024/2025 production campaign for Pecorino Romano PDO closed with just over 39 million kilograms of cheese. The 47 dairies in the supply chain processed more than 300 million liters of milk, 76% of which was allocated to certified production. The supply chain includes nearly 9,000 sheep farmers and 47 dairies. Sardinia accounts for 92% of total volumes, while cooperatives represent 54% of production.
The figures, presented at the annual meeting of the Consorzio per la Tutela del Formaggio Pecorino Romano, above all confirm the importance of international markets. In 2025, exports reached almost 21,800 metric tons, equal to 60% of saleable production.
The United States remains the leading market, with growth in other destinations
The United States remains the leading export market, with about 13,100 metric tons shipped in 2025. Export volumes rose slightly, while sales value was affected by tariff barriers and trade uncertainty.
At the same time, other destinations are showing positive momentum. Shipments to European Union countries reached nearly 55,000 quintals, up 2.4%. Stronger growth was recorded in the United Kingdom, at +8.6%, Canada, at +16%, and Australia, at +19.6%.
Diversification is particularly important given the role of the United States in Italy's certified cheese sector as a whole. According to AFIDOP, Italian PDO and PGI cheeses generated more than 3.3 billion euros in exports in 2025. The United States accounted for about 40,900 metric tons worth 485 million euros, with Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano representing 95% of Italian certified cheese exports to that market.
For producers and exporters, growth in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia therefore also offers a way to spread commercial risk and reduce dependence on a single market.
Volumes are rising in modern retail, but value remains the challenge
In Italy, sales of Pecorino Romano PDO in modern retail increased for the second consecutive year, reaching nearly 4,800 metric tons, up 4.3% from 2024. Including volumes absorbed by the food industry, the HoReCa channel and traditional retail, total domestic consumption is estimated at about 12,300 metric tons. However, this resilience in volumes has been accompanied by a gradual decline in sales value on the domestic market.
The gap between resilient volumes and declining value is an important signal for producers and retailers. Demand growth needs to be supported by an assortment strategy that can highlight origin, certification, aging and usage occasions, rather than allowing competition to focus mainly on price.
The product specification also provides room to differentiate the assortment. Pecorino Romano PDO can be marketed after at least five months of aging as a table cheese and after at least eight months as a grating cheese. This distinction supports a differentiated product range for direct consumption, home cooking and professional use.
Foodservice can strengthen recognition of the PDO
Foodservice is also an important channel for supporting product value. Research presented by AFIDOP in 2026 found a 20% increase in the presence of PDO and PGI cheeses on digital menus in Italian foodservice. However, abbreviations and generic product names are still widely used, reducing recognition of certified designations.
For Pecorino Romano, this is especially relevant. Internationally recognized dishes such as carbonara and cacio e pepe can help promote the designation when menus clearly state "Pecorino Romano PDO", rather than referring generically to pecorino or grated cheese.
Distributors and foodservice suppliers can support this positioning through professional formats, origin documentation, information on aging and materials that help restaurants and chefs communicate the ingredient correctly, especially in international markets.
On the protection side, recognition of the incontestability of the three-dimensional certification trademark in the United States strengthens the legal tools available to the Consortium. Under U.S. law, that status makes the registration conclusive evidence of the validity of the trademark, the registrant's ownership and the exclusive right to use it for the covered products, subject to the exceptions and defenses provided by law.
The results of the last production campaign show a supply chain capable of maintaining high output and a strong export orientation. The ability to protect value will increasingly depend on market diversification, communication campaigns aimed at both consumers and B2B operators, formats tailored to different channels and a more recognizable use of the designation both on shelves and on menus.
