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Jamon Iberico – New Regulation helps consumers to differentiate Iberico cured ham qualities

Jamon iberico: Tshutterstock_126520556he Spanish Board of Ministers approved last Friday a new regulation aimed to protect our Spanish prized cured ham: Jamon Iberico.

Over-production, undefined quality controls and prices sometimes even lower than Serrano ham, are some of the reasons prompting the new regulatory framework. According to official sources, five years ago Spain counted with more than 500.000 iberico race pigs dedicated to produce the delicious jamon ibérico, while in 2012 only 145.000 iberico porks, less than one-third. The negative trend has continued until today and the Spanish Government decided to take the action.

Miguel Angel Arias Cañete – Spanish Minister of Agriculture – explained that the definitions of Iberico Ham have now been cut down to only three categories, helping consumers to make a conscious decision with regards to the product they are to acquire, while guaranteeing a transparent product traceability.

The main difference in the classification lays in the % of ibérico pig.

  • Ibérico de Bellota or 100% Ibérico

This is the highest quality of iberico ham, made from 100% ‘ibérico’ race pigs, conveniently fatted with acorn and grown-up in a controlled-freedom environment. When the pork is not 100% ibérico, the % of Ibérico needs to be stated in he label.

  • Ibérico de Cebo de Campo

It is the jamón ibérico coming from Ibérico pigs crossed with other races.  The percentage of Ibérico race of the animal needs to be stated in the new labels. The pig has been fatted with animal feed, have 100 meters of space per animal and lives in a controlled-free environment during the last period of their lives to improve the quality and taste of the meat.

  • Ibérico de Cebo

 The race has to be at least 50% Iberico. It is grown in captivity and in compliance with all sanitary controls.

Currently 80% of the Jamón Iberico commercialized is Ibérico de Cebo, and the new regulation helps to protect the quality and identity of the Jamon 100% Ibérico.

At MX2 GLOBAL, we are very happy with the new regulation. Jamon Iberico used to be a confusing product at the eyes of our international wholesalers. Now that the definitions have been simplified and the cards are clearly over the table, we foresee an increase in the demand of authentic 100% jamon ibérico, particularly coming from our importers in Europe, North America and Asia.

Contact us if you are interested on importing delicious jamon iberico at competitive prices

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