Caseificio Delfante – Calestano, Parma

Four Generations of Cheesemaking Tradition and Parmigiano Reggiano DOP

Located in Ravarano, in the municipality of Calestano, Caseificio Delfante is a traditional family-run dairy specialising in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, fresh ricotta, butter and selected gastronomic specialities from the Parma region.

With more than 100 years of family tradition, the dairy preserves the knowledge and craftsmanship passed down through four generations, from the great-grandfather to Armando Delfante, Giovanni Delfante and today's cheesemaker, Damiano Delfante.

The business is closely connected to the Caseificio di Ravarano e Casaselvatica, situated in the beautiful countryside of the Val Baganza, where traditional dairy farming and cheesemaking remain important elements of the local agricultural heritage.

Parmigiano Reggiano DOP Production

The dairy's flagship product is Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, produced using traditional cheesemaking techniques and milk from the mountain territory of the Val Baganza.

Its cheese is identified by dairy production number 3084, representing the Caseificio di Ravarano e Casaselvatica.

The production process follows the traditional stages of cheesemaking, from milk processing and curd formation to salting and maturation.

Careful ageing allows Parmigiano Reggiano DOP to develop its characteristic granular texture, complex aromas and distinctive flavour.

The dairy's mountain Parmigiano Reggiano DOP aged 18–23 months received a Gold Medal at the World Cheese Awards 2025–2026, recognising the quality of its production.

Fresh Dairy Products

Alongside Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, Caseificio Delfante produces traditional fresh dairy products.

Its main specialities include:

Parmigiano Reggiano DOP 3084: traditional hard cheese produced in the Val Baganza.
Fresh Ricotta: made from whey obtained during cheesemaking, without added preservatives.
Traditional Butter: produced from milk cream using artisan processing methods.

These products reflect the family's experience and its commitment to preserving the authentic flavours of the Parma countryside.

Traditional Parma Cured Meats

Over the years, Delfante has expanded its activities to include the careful selection and sale of traditional cured meats.

Its gastronomic selection includes:

Prosciutto di Parma DOP: traditional dry-cured ham, renowned for its delicate flavour.
Salame di Felino IGP: a characteristic Parma salami appreciated for its rich aroma and balanced seasoning.
Culatello with Rind (Culatello con Cotenna): a traditional speciality made from selected pork leg, seasoned and matured according to local methods.

These products complement the dairy's cheese selection, offering customers an opportunity to discover the traditional gastronomic heritage of Parma.

Family Tradition and Artisan Production

The Delfante family's history is closely linked to the agricultural traditions of Ravarano and Casaselvatica.

For four generations, cheesemaking knowledge has been handed down within the family, preserving traditional techniques while adapting to modern production requirements.

Damiano Delfante, together with his family, continues this tradition with particular attention to product quality and the characteristics of the local milk.

The dairy represents an important example of the relationship between mountain agriculture, artisan food production and the cultural identity of the Parma Apennines.

Direct Sales and Online Shopping

Caseificio Delfante offers direct sales at its shop in Ravarano, where customers can purchase Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, fresh dairy products and selected traditional cured meats.

The company also promotes online shopping, allowing customers outside the local area to order its gastronomic specialities.

Its products are appreciated both in Emilia-Romagna and in other Italian regions, contributing to the reputation of traditional Parma food production.