Italian cheese competitions and festivals

Various Italian cheese competitions and festivals are scheduled for late 2026. The eleventh Italian Cheese Awards is set to conclude on 8 November 2026 at the Mole Vanvitelliana in Ancona, featuring thirty-four finalists from thirteen regions across ten categories.

The Made in Malga 2026 festival will take place on the Asiago plateau during two weekends in September: September 4–6 and September 11–13. The event will transform the historic center of Asiago into an open-air market showcasing mountain and alpine cheeses, including Asiago DOP, Bitto, Castelmagno, Fontina, and Parmigiano Reggiano Prodotto di Montagna. The program features tastings, workshops, and twelve masterclasses focused on production techniques and food pairings.

Additionally, the Casearia 2026 national cheese fair is scheduled for 28–30 August in Agnone. The fair is expected to host over 70 exhibitors and more than 200 dairy productions from across Italy. Highlights include a Coldiretti Molise stand managed by women entrepreneurs and young farmers, as well as the presentation of Pecorino di Farindola from the Abruzzo region. Other participants include Azienda Agricola Garofalo Patrizia, which is showcasing an innovative donkey milk production project for cosmetic use.