“Crazy about our ham” That’s how we might describe the millions of tourists that visit our country every year in search of sun, culture, good people and exquisite food. And among the star dishes in our cuisine, there’s no way we could forget ham.
We’re not telling you anything new if we say that Spain’s endless attributes include world-famous cuisine. It is true that all around the world, the hind leg of pigs is transformed in one way or another. However, it is true that no other product has received such international recognition for quality. Spanish ham, and more specifically Iberian ham, doubtlessly features among the top four delicatessen products along with caviar, foie and truffles. This explains why, when tourists go back home, they’re quick to seek out Spanish ham in their local stores.
20% of national production ends up on tables all around the world but where?
Main destination: Europe
As this is an agro-food product, there are two main difficulties in terms of export: gastro-customs and different local health certifications. So, the main destination for the hams sold outside our borders (approximately 80% of exports) is the EU, as our diets do not differ greatly and we share a common market and quality standard.
Our French neighbours remain the main consumers of Spanish ham in Europe. In addition to its own Bayonne Ham and being a major importer of Parma ham, France purchases more of our ham than any other country in the world. Doubtlessly, physical, cultural and gastro-proximity are all good for sales.
Other fans of pork products and all their derivatives are Germany, second importer of Spanish ham, followed by the United Kingdom and countries such as Belgium, Holland or Sweden.
The other side of the pond
Although the United States seems to be a very attractive American destination (and it is), the cultural and language proximity between Mexico and Spain makes it one of the countries with the greatest demand for our hams outside Europe. The agreement between the EU and Mexico to remove a 10% tariff that was being applied to cured ham might increase exports to this Central American country. Chile and Venezuela are also booming markets in Spanish ham consumption.
The United States has been hard to crack. It was not until 2004 when a company from Salamanca managed to get authorisation from the American health ministry to export Iberian ham to the Yanks. So, in 2007, the first Iberian hams arrived legally in the USA. Ever since, the volume of ham exports to the United States has not stopped growing, even when two Spaniards began to make Iberian ham on the Texas plains over 4 years ago.
The “Near East”
As opposed to Europe or Latin America, the oriental culture differs greatly from Spain. However, it is undeniable that our country arouses passions in places as far away as China or Japan.
Currently, around 150 thousand tonnes of ham are sent to the Asian giant every year. China has vast purchasing potential as, despite being a major world pig producer, it does not manage to cover its enormous demand. In addition, the growing number of emerging fortunes are beginning to demand high quality products, including Spanish ham.
Japan is the 5th destination in the world for Spanish pork exports. Although fans of Spanish culture, the Japanese are very strict with their quality checks. Nevertheless, they are prepared to pay high prices if the product meets their quality standards.
From Teruel all over the world
It’s not easy, but we’re making steady progress. PDO Teruel Ham will end up winning over the foreign market sooner or later. Currently, barely 10% of the almost 300,000 hams that they produce as CRDO Jamón y Paleta de Teruel cross our borders. Its smooth, not particularly salty flavour, along with its great cured fragrance, mean it is a product that adapts to all palates. Europe is already savouring Teruel Ham, just like countries such as Japan, South Korea or Hong Kong (belonging to China). The rest of the world awaits.