The Grana d'Oro farm has deep roots that date back to 1936, when the Catellani brothers - Domenico, Carlo and Giulio - moved to Cavriago (RE) to continue raising red cows. Since then, three generations have dedicated their lives to the care of this breed and the production of high quality Parmigiano Reggiano.
In the 1960s and 1970s, while other companies abandoned the red cow for the more productive Friesian, the Catellanis remained faithful to the tradition, helping to preserve this unique breed. In 1982, with only 900 head left, the Reggio Emilia breed was at risk of extinction. It was in this context that Elia's sons, Luciano and Matteo, took the reins of the company, committing themselves to safeguarding the genetic heritage of the red cows and to relaunching Parmigiano Reggiano produced with their milk.
In 1991, the Catellani brothers were among the founders of the Consorzio Valorizzazione Prodotti Antica Razza Reggiana (C.V.P.A.R.), a cooperative created to protect and promote this breed and its cheese. Since then, Grana d'Oro has seen a constant increase in the number of red cows, from 90 head in the 1980s to the current 180.
Innovative and forward-looking, the company was the first to use a distinctive brand to guarantee the quality of its Parmigiano Reggiano. Matteo Catellani, a mechanics enthusiast, designed specific machines for cutting and branding the cheese.
