Teruel Ham will reach half a million pieces in 2024

The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Jamón y Paleta de Teruel has closed the year 2024 with very positive figures in product certification, according to the balance sheet just made by the Regulatory Council of this PDO. In total, 237,565 hams and 215,463 shoulders have been marked, consolidating the growth trend and reaffirming the quality and recognition of these products in national and international markets. These figures reflect the sector's commitment to quality figures, ensuring that consumers can enjoy a product with guarantees.

These results are part of the overall situation of the cured ham sector, characterised by a lower product load in the cellars of the drying plants due to fluctuations in production and demand. However, the positioning strategy carried out by the companies registered in the Designation of Origin "has allowed them to maintain an optimal level of certifications and ensure the quality of the final product that reaches consumers. This work has been key to the stability and growth of the sector, which continues to focus on innovation and continuous improvement in the curing and marketing processes," according to a statement sent by the Regulatory Council of the DOP.

As for the pieces suitable for slaughter , a total of 333,762 hams and 277,748 shoulders have been registered, which adds up to more than 600,000 pieces that will contribute to the progressive recovery of stocks in the registered drying sheds. The stabilisation of the prices of fresh products, together with the increase in sales of cured ham, have favoured this positive evolution and have allowed us to reinforce confidence in the good direction in which the sector is moving. This trend has been driven by "a greater appreciation of consumers towards products of differentiated quality, as well as by a growing demand in international markets, where Jamón de Teruel DOP continues to gain recognition and prestige".

The president of the Regulatory Council, Ricardo Mosteo, has pointed out that “we have always had a product of excellence, but in recent years we have intensified our commercial efforts and the promotion of our production, which is allowing us to reach new markets and consolidate ourselves in existing ones”. Mosteo has highlighted the importance of promotion and communication to bring the product closer to the consumer, highlighting the authenticity and unique characteristics of the Teruel Ham and Shoulder, whose flavour, aroma and texture are the result of a rigorous and controlled curing process.

For its part, the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Cerdo de Teruel, the first certification for fresh pork of differentiated quality in Spain, has closed its first year with "very encouraging" results. In total, 65,046 half carcasses have been classified as suitable, which represents a volume of 1,874,806 kilos of pork with quality certification. This certification guarantees that Teruel pork meets strict production standards , assuring consumers of a differentiated product, with controlled origin and superior organoleptic qualities.

Select cuts such as the secreto (secret), la punta (blade), lomo (loin) or la presa (presta) have begun to successfully position themselves on the shelves of points of sale, finding their niche in the market and responding to the growing demand for high-quality meat products with certification of origin. "This initial success has been driven by the trust of distributors and consumers in the PGI quality seal, as well as by greater awareness of the importance of consuming products with traceability and guarantee of origin," the statement adds.

Mosteo has highlighted the promising start of the Cerdo de Teruel PGI, although it has qualified that “it is still early to make predictions or establish trends, given that we do not have data for comparison with previous years. However, what is indisputable is that our Cerdo de Teruel meat has started with great acceptance and is rapidly consolidating among consumers and distributors.” In addition, it has underlined the importance of differentiation in the meat market, where certified products offer added value compared to conventional options.

Looking ahead to next year, the Regulatory Council of the Jamón y Paleta de Teruel PDO and the Cerdo de Teruel PGI will focus its efforts on strengthening marketing and communication actions to continue promoting the recognition and prestige of these products. Specific promotional campaigns will be developed in key markets, both national and international, with the aim of increasing the awareness and consumption of these quality products. Likewise, special emphasis will be placed on training and raising consumer awareness about the benefits and characteristics that distinguish the products covered by the PDO and PGI.

At the same time, the Regulatory Council will work closely with companies in the sector to consolidate the Cerdo de Teruel PGI, supporting its positioning in the markets and promoting the creation of value around differentiated quality products. Initiatives will be implemented to support producers, promoting the modernisation of facilities, the optimisation of processes and the development of new product lines adapted to the demands of today's consumer.

In conclusion, 2024 has been "a period of consolidation and growth for the Jamón y Paleta de Teruel PDO and the Cerdo de Teruel PGI, with data that reflect the strength and potential of the sector." For 2025, efforts will be directed at strengthening its positioning, expanding its presence in strategic markets and continuing to offer consumers "products of exceptional quality that proudly represent the tradition and know-how of the province of Teruel."