Grana Padano and Prosciutto di Parma at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago
13/05/2026
Berni: “In Chicago, we bring the quality and versatility of Grana Padano PDO to the heart of international foodservice.”
Fanti: “The NRA Show confirms the strategic value of the foodservice channel for the growth of Prosciutto di Parma PDO in the United States.”
From 16 to 19 May, the Consorzio Tutela Grana Padano and the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma will take part in the National Restaurant Association Show at McCormick Place in Chicago, one of the world’s leading events for the restaurant and hospitality industry. The 2026 edition will bring together operators, buyers, chefs, distributors, and foodservice professionals from the United States and more than 100 countries.
The NRA Show confirms its position as a key international benchmark for innovation in the restaurant sector: the event hosts more than 2,000 exhibitors across over 900 product categories, offering a rich program of educational sessions led by industry experts, live demonstrations, and insights into technology, consumer trends, and operational efficiency. Numerous networking and exchange opportunities are also available, designed for both established professionals and the next generation of industry players.
The participation of the two Consortia is part of the three-year European Union–funded program “Distinctly, Deliciously, European”, promoted in the United States and Canada to highlight the authenticity, quality, tradition, and versatility of two PDO products that symbolize Made in Europe excellence. The program includes activities targeting professionals, retailers, chefs, and consumers, such as tastings, events, in-store promotions, collaborations with the restaurant sector, and participation in major trade fairs.
In Chicago, Grana Padano PDO and Prosciutto di Parma PDO will welcome visitors at stand 11139 in the Lakeside Pavilion, offering tastings and networking opportunities designed to showcase the distinctive value of both products and their application in contemporary cuisine. Their presence at the NRA Show also represents a particularly significant milestone, as it marks the conclusion of the international trade fair cycle within the promotional program, further strengthening dialogue with the North American foodservice channel.
“Participation in the NRA Show in Chicago is part of the development path our Consortium is pursuing in the United States, with the aim of enhancing Prosciutto di Parma PDO within the foodservice channel,” comments Stefano Fanti, Director of the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma. “Consolidating our presence in this area is particularly important, especially in the current phase, in which the US market must address the inevitable consequences of the introduction of tariffs. In this context, alongside our presence at major industry events, we intend to continue and strengthen collaborations with leading players in the restaurant sector, as we have done in recent years.”
“Being present at the NRA Show in Chicago represents a strategic opportunity for Grana Padano PDO to engage with one of the most important channels for international growth: the restaurant sector,” says Stefano Berni, General Director of the Consorzio Tutela Grana Padano. “The United States remains a key market, even in a phase made more complex by trade tensions. For this reason, we intend to continue investing in dialogue with chefs, buyers, and foodservice operators, promoting the values of quality, safety, and tradition that distinguish the world’s most consumed PDO cheese, while creating new opportunities for the entire supply chain.”
