Caseificio Gennari Collecchio – Parmigiano Reggiano Since 1953

Caseificio Gennari Sergio & Figli is a historic family-run dairy based in Collecchio, near Parma, specializing in the production and long ageing of Parmigiano Reggiano PDO.

The story began in 1953, when Sergio and Maria Gennari started producing just three wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano a day at the Villa Paveri dairy in Collecchio.

From those beginnings, the business has grown generation after generation, while maintaining a strong connection with the family, farming, livestock and the traditional art of cheesemaking.

A Family Story

In 1974, the dairy moved to its Collecchiello premises, where production increased to 12 wheels a day.

Another important step came in 1986 with the establishment of the Gennari e Barbuti farm. This allowed the family to develop an increasingly complete production chain, connecting the fields and animal feed with cattle breeding, milk production, cheesemaking and ageing.

Over the following decades, the business continued to grow, with Sergio and Maria's children and later their grandchildren becoming involved in the company.

A Complete Parmigiano Reggiano Supply Chain

One of the distinctive characteristics of Caseificio Gennari is its control over the production chain.

The company manages around 500 hectares of farmland and raises more than 1,600 cattle.

Part of the milk used to produce its Parmigiano Reggiano comes directly from the family's own farms, while the remaining milk is supplied by selected local farmers with whom the dairy has developed relationships lasting for decades.

This creates a production philosophy that begins in the fields and continues through every stage until the finished wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano.

Different Types of Parmigiano Reggiano

Caseificio Gennari produces Parmigiano Reggiano using milk from different cattle breeds, creating cheeses with distinctive characteristics.

Its production includes Parmigiano Reggiano made from milk produced by:

• Friesian cows;

• Brown Alpine cows;

• Red Reggiana cows;

• selected cattle used within the company's production system.

The dairy has also produced Organic Parmigiano Reggiano since 2016.

Different types of milk, combined with carefully selected ageing periods, create a variety of aromas, textures and flavour profiles.

Long-Aged Parmigiano Reggiano

Time plays a central role in the Gennari family's approach to cheesemaking.

The dairy is particularly known for its expertise in long-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, allowing each wheel to mature slowly and develop increasingly complex aromas and flavours.

The company currently reports a daily production of approximately 40 wheels, with more than 66,000 wheels ageing in its warehouses.

From Collecchio to the World

Although deeply connected to Collecchio and the Parma area, Caseificio Gennari has developed a strong international presence.

Its Parmigiano Reggiano is exported to more than 40 countries worldwide.

The company is BRC and IFS certified and FDA/FSMA accredited, while its organic products are certified by Bioagricert.

This international dimension has developed without losing the family character that has distinguished the dairy since its foundation.

Parmigiano Reggiano Experience

Visitors can also discover the world of traditional cheesemaking through the Parmigiano Reggiano Experience.

The project offers participants an opportunity to learn more about the ancient techniques involved in making Parmigiano Reggiano and is also connected with initiatives supporting cancer research.

It provides a different way to discover not only the cheese itself but also the people, skills and traditions behind one of Italy's most famous food products.

Production and Shop in Collecchio

The main production facility in Via Varra Superiore also includes the company's factory shop, where visitors can purchase Gennari products directly.

A second shop is located in Viale Pertini 45 in Collecchio, while another retail outlet is available in central Parma.

Caseificio Gennari – Company Details

Company name: Caseificio Gennari Sergio & Figli S.r.l.

Production and factory shop: Via Varra Superiore, 14/A – 43044 Collecchio (PR), Italy

Telephone: +39 0521 805947

Collecchio shop: Viale Pertini, 45 – 43044 Collecchio (PR), Italy

Shop telephone: +39 0521 802822

Business sector: production and ageing of Parmigiano Reggiano PDO

Dairy identification number: 2312

Website: caseificiogennari.com

Caseificio Gennari in the Parma Food Valley

Caseificio Gennari is an excellent example of the relationship between farming, family tradition and cheesemaking that characterizes the Parma Food Valley.

From three wheels a day in 1953 to an internationally recognized dairy, the Gennari family has continued to focus on milk quality, careful production and the patience required for long ageing.

It is a story that began in Collecchio and continues in the heart of a territory where Parmigiano Reggiano PDO is not simply a cheese, but an essential part of local culture and identity.