Amid extreme heat in Italy, social media falsely reported damage to Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production and a regional bank storing cheese wheels as loan collateral.

Cheese Production Process

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese follows strict production guidelines in the Emilia Romagna region of northern Italy. The process uses milk from cows fed only on locally grown forage. Cheese wheels undergo aging for at least 12 months, potentially extending to 24, 36, or 40 months.

Cheese as Loan Collateral

To support capital management, banks accept cheese wheels as collateral during aging. Credito Emiliano S.p.A’s Magazini Generali delle Tagliate (MGT), in operation since 1953, is one such bank.

Social Media Claims vs. Reality

CLAIM: Extreme heat creates a “Great Parmesan Crisis,” threatening cheese and “cheese banks.”

Reality: Cheese wheels are safely stored in cool conditions. MGT stores 500,000 wheels valued at €300 million, confirming no risk from heat. However, energy consumption increased by 30% to maintain cool facilities during the heat.

MGT’s Response to Heat

Giancarlo Ravanetti, MGT’s general manager, stated warehouse operations remained stable. He sees no long-term effects from future extreme heat.

Efforts to improve energy efficiency include replacing old refrigeration units, enhancing building insulation, and adding solar systems with 1.5 MW capacity.

Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium’s Measures

While heatwaves pose a challenge, the consortium confirms no current production risk. Heat can lower milk yields by about 10% but steps ensure milk supply. Cows mainly eat preserved forage, and many farms use cooling systems and monitoring.

The remaining milk supply originates from cooler hilly and mountain regions.