As a result of the initial sourcing project “Parmesan cheese in Bio Suisse Quality” an Italian Parmesan producer could be certified Bio Suisse. With the Bio Suisse label branded Parmesan cheese could be included in the Coop product range in 2017.
The presently available volume of Bio Suisse certified Parmesan (50 t/year) is not sufficient to satisfy the total demand of 150 t. The obstacles for Bio Suisse certification are high, in particular the obligatory pasture, the limitation of concentrated feed and the requirements of the Swiss law on animal welfare. In this follow-up project the volume of Bio Suisse certified Parmesan cheese of the present producer shall be doubled and new producers shall be found.