Bridging the Gap: Product Adaptation and Cultural Barriers for Italian PDO Agri-Food Products in the Dutch Market

This study analyzes the determinants of Dutch consumers’ acceptance of imported heritage food products, using Italian hard cheeses – specifically Grana Padano DOP – as an illustrative case. Despite the absence of trade barriers within the EU, cultural habits, local preference and purchasing inertia limit the integration of foreign products into everyday consumption. Through a structured survey and a multiple regression model, the research examines how cultural preferences, convenience-driven retail formats, price sensitivity and information cues are associated with the frequency and integration of Italian cuisine in daily cooking habits. Results provide theoretical insights into cross-cultural consumer dynamics and practical guidance for agri-food producers operating in international markets.