During the 15th century the alpine paths that connected the Val Brembana with the Orobic passes (San Marco, Verrobbio, Bocchetta di Trona) formed a network of well travelled roads for merchants, farmers and armies in a Valtellina that was divided between the State of Milan, the Republic of Venice and the Grigioni.
This geopolitical situation sparked fierce competition between two commercial centres: Morbegno and Como on one side, Branzi and Bergamo on the other. “Storico” cheese of the Bitto valley found place in both these markets and many merchants were able to appreciate and create value from its superior quality. For this reason, “Bitto” cheese became a widely exported product.
Thanks to its particular ripening and longevity, it was possible to transport the cheese on long and slow journeys with mules, on carts and on boats. The extraordinary quality and economic value connected to Bitto cheese was such that it justified high transport costs, long ripening and commercial negotiations. We must not forget that cheese remained a luxury until the end of the 1800s.