Parmigiano Reggiano
That’s a Bailout
Posted on December 11, 2008 by Claire Adamsick
Countries: Italy
The Italians are mighty proud of their cheese, but can the national delicacy solve the country’s financial troubles?
The government is supporting cheesemakers by purchasing 100,000 wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano and donating them to charity.
They're paying for the cheese with 50 million Euro from the EU — money that critics say is typically used for feeding needy people. Meanwhile, cheesemakers of other varieties like buffalo mozzarella told the Wall Street Journal that they, too, want in on government aid.
Experts say Italians should help cheesemakers boost sales abroad; the Wall Street Journal points to market fragmentation as the problem — some 430 family-owned businesses are vying for their slice of parmigiano profits.
Parmigiano Reggiano. Photo: peachknee (flickr)
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