ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENTCredito Emiliano, known as Credem, has taken unmatured or young wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano as collateral since 1953. Its subsidiary, Magazzini Generali delle Tagliate, matures the cheese in Reggio Emilia and Modena, holding more than half a million wheels worth well over €300 million. Blockchain now lets farmers pledge wheels while the cheese stays in their own facilities, doubling the bank's lending capacity. "Extreme heat impacts milk's quality and quantity," said Nicola Bertinelli, president of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium. The stakes are large, with Italy turning out 4.19 million wheels in 2025 representing a consumer turnover of around €4 billion, as per the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium.