We are happy and deeply proud to announce that our Taleggio PDO cheese ‘Il Caravaggio’ won first place overall at the Trofeo San Lucio 2025 – CaseoArt, the most important national award dedicated to Italian excellence in the dairy sector.

The award ceremony took place on 1st May 2025 at the Visconteo Castle in Pandino (CR), making the moment even more special.

An unexpected and deeply touching recognition for us at Defendi, which rewards the commitment, passion and care that the entire Caseificio Defendi team dedicates to its products every day: from production to maturing and packaging. We are characterised by a production that is still artisanal to guarantee high quality and a strong link with tradition and the authentic taste of the product.

The award, promoted by Asso Casearia Pandino, is aimed at celebrating the work and expertise of Italian master cheesemakers, silent protagonists of one of Italy’s most iconic food chains.

The winner was Rodolfo Defendi for his Taleggio, judged ‘exemplary for its balance, aromatic intensity and fidelity to tradition’.

A heartfelt thank you to the Casearia di Pandino association, the jury and the organisers who made this moment of great value for the entire supply chain possible and who encourage realities such as ours to continue along this path with even greater dedication and to preserve the authenticity of our Italian cheese specialities that are the agri-food excellence of the Made in Italy heritage throughout the world.