Cheese Producers from Serbia and Croatia Visited Italy as Part of the Milkyway Project

As part of the cross-border cooperation project Milkyway – Pannonian Superfood, funded by the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme Croatia-Serbia, a study trip to Italy was organized from March 25 to 28, 2025, for 20 cheese producers from Serbia and Croatia.

During the visit to the Emilia-Romagna region, participants toured four renowned Italian dairies.

Caseificio Rosola di Zocca – known for producing Parmigiano Reggiano, including varieties from Bianca Modenese breed milk, as well as ricotta, Caciotta, and goat cheese Caprone.
Saliceto Parmigiano Reggiano Agricultural Society – a modern facility offering a complete guided tour through all stages of production and aging, with tastings of cheeses at various maturity levels.
4 Madonne Caseificio dell’Emilia – one of the best-known dairies in Italy, producing Parmigiano Reggiano from Vacche Rosse, Vacche Brune, and organic milk, featuring a professional presentation and tasting of ricotta, creams, balsamic vinegar, and Lambrusco wine.
Latteria Sociale Mantova – a leading cooperative in Grana Padano production, where participants observed the full production and packaging process, followed by tastings of 12- and 24-month-aged cheeses.

Participants learned about advanced technological solutions in cheese making, including automation of aging processes, temperature and humidity control, digital quality monitoring systems, and sustainable packaging innovations. Special attention was given to ricotta and goat cheeses, which are gaining market popularity and are produced to high standards of quality and food safety.

Italian hosts also shared valuable insights on state and regional subsidy systems, cooperative organization, and successful marketing models for domestic and international markets.

Producers from Serbia and Croatia were highly impressed by the hospitality, expertise, and professionalism of the hosts, as well as the way tradition is combined with innovation. The study trip significantly contributed to their knowledge, motivation, and inspiration to improve local production and regional cooperation.

The trip was organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Vojvodina and Osijek-Baranja County, as partners in the Milkyway project.