EU Commission approves 11.9 million euros in Italian aid for cheese production

Brussels – The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, an Italian measure worth 11.9 million euros to support an investment project in the dairy sector. The beneficiary of the measure is Zanetti S.p.A., a company active in producing traditional Italian cheeses, with a focus on Protected Designation of Origin cheeses such as Grana Padano and Parmigiano Reggiano. “The aid will support the modernisation of Zanetti’s production line and contribute to the economic development of the dairy sector and the area around the facility in the province of Mantua. The investment project will also have a positive environmental impact, because it will lead to lower energy consumption and road transport emissions,” explained the Commission. 

The aid will take the form of a direct grant. The Commission has assessed the measure under EU state aid rules and concluded that it is necessary and appropriate to achieve the objective pursued, while supporting the objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy. Furthermore, the Commission concluded that the measure is proportionate, as it is limited to the minimum necessary, and will have a limited impact on competition and trade within the EU. On this basis, the Commission has approved the Italian measure under EU state aid rules.