In recent years, Caseificio Ignalat has established itself as an excellence in the dairy sector, both in Italy and abroad, thanks to a business philosophy that skillfully combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technologies. This blend has allowed the company to promote and bring Made in Puglia to the global market.

Founded over seventy years ago, Ignalat has turned the enhancement of its roots into a strength, transforming itself into an ambassador of Apulian dairy art, achieving significant growth and becoming one of the most established players in the national dairy sector.

Leading the company, Vincenzo Ignazzi, Export Manager of the dairy, shares in this article the company’s strategic vision, journey, and the challenges of the present and future.

The boom of the Burrata: what’s behind this success?

“The success of Burrata is the result of an approach that combines targeted communication and market insight, aimed at enhancing its artisanal quality and spreading a product culture,” explains Vincenzo Ignazzi.

“Our strategy initially focused on nearby markets, before expanding to more distant foreign markets. The authenticity and versatility of Burrata in cooking have done the rest, turning it from a product exclusively regional to a global gastronomic must-have, a symbol of accessible luxury and excellent quality.”

What’s the key to remaining competitive in this sector?

“In an increasingly crowded sector, Ignalat focuses on maintaining high standards and adapting to market changes by actively listening to consumers and responding to their consumption habits,” adds Ignazzi.

“We are always ready to meet consumer needs with products that reflect new trends, such as sustainability and food safety.
Of course, the transmission of knowledge is a crucial part of this competitive strategy. At Caseificio Ignalat, we address the shortage of specialized labor, which threatens the survival of our profession, by partially automating production processes without compromising on quality.”

What are the main challenges and opportunities in exporting Ignalat cheeses to international markets?

“The main challenge is certainly facing the intense competition that characterizes the industry. In our view, the key to differentiating ourselves from competitors is to launch new or reinvented gourmet products,” acknowledges Ignazzi.

“With regard to our international expansion, we have observed strong interest in nearby European markets and the United States, where there is a growing demand for authentic, high-quality products. However, potential tariffs and regulations established following Trump’s election could pose obstacles.”

How important is educating consumers about product quality?

“In a market dominated by large industrial brands, educating consumers about the artisanal origin of products is of primary importance,” emphasizes Vincenzo Ignazzi. “We use every available tool to convey the careful selection of local raw materials, passion, and craftsmanship behind every cheese. Only in this way can consumers recognize the quality of artisanal products and choose them over mass-produced ones.”

What are the pillars for the company’s future?

“For Ignalat, the future is built on three pillars: young talents, sustainability, and innovation,” says Ignazzi. “Currently, 50% of our workforce is made up of employees under 35, allowing us to establish a strong connection between the expertise of historical cheesemakers and the youthfulness of the new generation.

It is impossible to think of the future without considering sustainability, which for us is a cross-cutting element that touches various areas of the company through concrete measures, ensuring a greener production.

Finally, innovation for us is a natural continuation of tradition, the only way to stay in line with market demands. Therefore, we focus on new technologies, continuous research, and the development of innovative products, without ever betraying our artisanal roots.”

With a clear vision rooted in its values, Ignalat continues to face the challenges of an ever-evolving market, positioning itself as a model of excellence perfectly capable of blending past and future.