A new culinary chapter is beginning in Hong Kong, as the ‘Happiness from Europe’ campaign officially launches its three-year initiative. Co-funded by the European Union, this campaign introduces Grana Padano PDO, one of Europe’s most iconic cheeses, to consumers in Hong Kong.
A recent campaign highlight was the sponsorship of a culinary competition designed to inspire consumers to discover the versatility and richness of Grana Padano PDO. By combining innovation and tradition, the contest provided chefs with a platform to showcase their creativity using one of Europe’s finest ingredients.
Created by Benedictine monks around 1135 as a way to preserve surplus milk, Grana Padano PDO is renowned for its hard and granular texture, as well as its nutty and savoury flavour.
It possesses unique nutritional features, including high-quality proteins, vitamins, and mineral salts, especially calcium. It is lactose-free due to the characteristics of the production method and the long ageing process.
Made from partially skimmed raw milk, the production process includes natural cream separation, curdling with whey starter and calf rennet, cooking, shaping, brining for 23 days, and then ageing for a minimum of nine months, with some cheese wheels maturing for more than 24 months to develop a richer, more complex flavour.
Each wheel is rigorously inspected for aroma, texture, and appearance – only those that meet the highest standards are fire-branded with the official Grana Padano PDO mark, a symbol of authenticity and excellence.
Since 1954, the Consorzio Tutela Grana Padano, a non-profit organisation, has overseen and promoted the product globally. The consortium also ensures that every wheel complies with the strict rules of the Production Specifications.
Grana Padano was granted its PDO status in 1996. This entails producing products exclusively within a specific region using traditional methods, while also supporting the artisans who create them today. It also guarantees consumers of the product’s authenticity against possible imitations.
As part of the ongoing ‘Happiness from Europe’ campaign, a Grana Padano PDO culinary competition took place throughout September. The competition was organised by the Hong Kong Chefs Association, a non-profit organisation with numerous aims, including supporting major culinary-based events in Hong Kong and sharing professional knowledge and skills through international culinary competitions.
Open to chefs across Hong Kong, this competition invited participants to create their most delicious dish using one or more of the three varieties of Grana Padano PDO: aged for 9 months, 16 months, or 22 months (Riserva).
Participants were encouraged to push culinary boundaries and reimagine how Grana Padano PDO can be featured in modern and trendy dishes. Entries were submitted by 15 September 2025, and a panel of judges reviewed the submissions based on a set of strict criteria.
The top five finalists were announced by 20 September 2025, and invited to compete in a live, final cook-off on 30 September 2025 at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel & Tourism Management. At this exciting event, each chef prepared their dish in front of judges, and exclusive prizes and gift packs were awarded to the winners.
The ‘Happiness from Europe’ campaign invites Hong Kong’s food lovers to discover the many ways Grana Padano PDO can enhance everyday meals and gourmet dishes alike. Whether shaved over fresh salads, stirred into creamy risottos, or paired with fruits, nuts, and wine, Grana Padano PDO offers a taste of European authenticity in every bite.
