World's Best Ham by PataNegra.dk

For years, Spain has taken pride in its jamón ibérico, often praised by chefs, travellers, and food lovers worldwide as the world's best ham . But for some Spanish ham cutters, the appreciation goes far beyond Europe. It reaches all the way to China, where a growing number of wealthy clients are willing to pay surprising amounts just to enjoy the perfect slice. A well-known Spanish cortador de jamón recently revealed how fast this demand is rising. According to him, Chinese hosts don’t think twice before spending thousands of euros to have a certified cutter at their events. Weddings, hotel banquets, business dinners, all of them want a taste of Spain’s most iconic delicacy, served fresh and sliced by an expert hand. “If they call, some cutters don’t even pack slowly. Next mornin,g they’re at Barajas airport catching the first flight out,” he joked. Why China Wants the Best of Spain China’s luxury market has grown massively in the last decade. For many people, fine dining is a sym...

Iberian Ham The Iberian Pork Interprofessional Association (Asici) has reported remarkable success in its international promotion campaigns for Iberian ham, leading to significant growth in key markets such as China, the United Kingdom, and Japan. These efforts have contributed to a 56.5% increase in cured ham exports since 2020, culminating in a record turnover of €722.14 million by the end of 2024. China: A Strategic Market Despite recent trade and tariff challenges, China remains a pivotal market for Iberian ham. In 2024, Spanish exports of cured hams and shoulders to China surpassed €28 million, marking a 60% increase in value over the past five years, according to data from ICEX-ESTACOM. The outreach campaign 'Jamones Ibéricos de España. Ambassadors of Europe in the World,' conducted between 2021 and 2023, played a crucial role in expanding Iberian ham's presence in China. Through training hundreds of cutters, hosting show-cooking events, and offering immersive experie...