Building on Last Year’s Success (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Miami Gardens, Florida – Parmigiano Reggiano PDO, Italy’s revered king of cheeses, renews its sponsorship as the official cheese for the Miami Open presented by Itaú, running March 15 to 29 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Building on Last Year’s Success
The partnership marks the second consecutive year for Parmigiano Reggiano at one of tennis’s premier ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 events. Nearly 200 top ATP and WTA players will compete before an expected crowd exceeding 405,000 spectators. This renewal follows a strong debut in 2025, where the cheese captured attention amid the tournament’s high-energy atmosphere.
The United States represents the largest export market for Parmigiano Reggiano PDO, claiming 22.5% of total exports. Consortium leaders view the Miami Open as a prime platform to connect with fans. Tennis mirrors the cheese’s production values: discipline, elegance, precision, and respect. Nicola Bertinelli, president of the Parmigiano Reggiano Protection Consortium, highlighted this synergy.
Interactive Tastings and Culinary Highlights
A “Parmigiano Reggiano Taste & Play” stand and VIP zones will showcase the cheese’s versatility through Miami-inspired dishes. Visitors can sample a Parmigiano Reggiano Cuban sandwich, croquetas, pan de queso paired with lime- and nutmeg-spiced honey, and even Parmigiano Reggiano ice cream. These creations blend the cheese’s rich, nutty profile with local flavors.
Ages of the cheese vary, offering notes from mild and creamy to intense and crystalline. Production adheres to strict traditions in Italy’s Parma and Reggio Emilia regions. The activations extend beyond the courts, integrating sport with culture and lifestyle elements.
Special Events Calendar
On March 19, an exclusive event at The Moore Miami hotel features chef Bernardo Paladini from Torno Subito, a Miami spot backed by Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura. Italian Heritage Day on March 20 brings live performances, a traditional wheel-opening ceremony, influencer sessions, and a player meet-and-greet.
March 23 offers a mixology experience at Viceversa bar, led by Giorgio Bargiani, assistant director of mixology at The Connaught in London. The popular “Pronunciation Challenge” returns across six sessions, rewarding correct pronunciations of “Parmigiano Reggiano” with Consortium merchandise. Digital screens on center and secondary courts will promote these happenings, amplified by social media.
Strategic Push in Key Markets
This sponsorship combats imitation products while elevating the authentic Italian original. The Consortium has sponsored other events, including the 2025 Rolex Paris Masters and a multi-year deal with the New York Jets. Tennis appeals to a younger, global audience where performance meets lifestyle.
Bertinelli emphasized the fit: “Tennis embodies discipline, elegance, precision, and respect: values that reflect the way Parmigiano Reggiano is produced.” Such partnerships strengthen U.S. presence and international visibility for the PDO-protected cheese.
Key Takeaways
- Parmigiano Reggiano PDO returns for year two at the Miami Open, March 15-29, 2026.
- Expect tastings of Cuban-inspired dishes, ice cream, and more at dedicated stands.
- Highlights include Italian Heritage Day, chef demos, mixology, and a pronunciation challenge.
The Miami Open partnership positions Parmigiano Reggiano as more than a sponsor – it’s a cultural bridge between Italy’s heritage and American sports passion. As fans gear up for aces and rallies, the cheese promises memorable moments off the court. What are your favorite ways to enjoy Parmigiano Reggiano? Share in the comments.
