Burrata and Stracciatella: The Global Success of Italian-Made Cheeses
Burrata and stracciatella are the latest big success stories of Italian-made products. After years of strong growth, with the market having quadrupled over eight years and exportsreaching 29% of production value, these cheeses continue to conquer the Italian and international markets. Sales are on the rise in modern retail distribution, and they are increasingly appreciated in restaurants and pizzerias, both in Italy and abroad, where Italian exports have surpassed 406 million euros. Massimo Forino of Assolatte highlights that between 2018 and 2022, production grew by an average of 15% per year, with exports increasing by 30%. Demand remains strong, especially in the foodservice sector, which absorbs most of the production and where not only the freshness and quality of these cheeses are celebrated, but also their versatility in cooking.
In retail, burrata and stracciatella are following different trends: burrata has a consolidated and more "mature" market, while stracciatella is experiencing strong growth. Burrata is worth almost 80 million euros, growing by 2% annually in value and 3% in volume, while stracciatella has surpassed 43 million euros, with a 12% increase in value and a 15% increase in volume. Innovation is one of the main drivers of this growth, with many companies offering lactose-free, protein-rich, or buffalo milk-based variations. Andrea Brandonisio of the Gioiella Group points out that demand continues to grow, with exports accounting for 60% of the group's revenue.
Exports are a key factor in the success of burrata and stracciatella, which continue to stand out in the global market, where mozzarella is now produced worldwide. The promotion of *Made in Italy* in Italian restaurants abroad is crucial to raising awareness of these cheeses, with Puglia, their region of origin, providing an additional strength given the increasing international popularity of the region. France is one of the main markets for Italian dairy products, with one in two consumers having tasted burrata and stracciatella in the past year. In this context, companies such as Latteria Montello are strengthening their presence in France by acquiring historic distributors like Italat France to increase the visibility and accessibility of their products.
15 November 2024