Core Insights - Iberian ham has become a "star product" at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), significantly increasing its presence on Chinese consumers' tables since its first participation in 2018 [1][3] - The town of Guijoro, which produces about 60% of Spain's Iberian ham, is experiencing growth due to the demand from the Chinese market [1][3] Group 1: Market Expansion - The participation in CIIE has accelerated the entry of Iberian ham into the Chinese market, with initial sales exceeding expectations, leading to increased interest from Spanish ham producers [3][4] - José María Agila, the fifth-generation head of Agila Ham Company, expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the potential of the Chinese market due to its large middle-income population [3][5] Group 2: Production and Quality - The production process of Iberian ham involves a minimum of three years of natural drying, emphasizing the traditional craftsmanship and quality [2][4] - Iberian ham is categorized into four grades, with "black label" ham being the highest quality, made from pure Iberian black pigs fed exclusively on acorns [2][4] Group 3: Economic Impact - The ham industry in Guijoro employs over 90% of the local population, contributing significantly to the town's economy and providing job opportunities in surrounding areas [3][5] - The export of Spanish ham to China is projected to exceed €28 million in 2024, reflecting a 60% increase over five years, with a continued growth trend observed in the first half of the year [4][6] Group 4: Cultural Exchange - The CIIE serves as a platform for Spanish companies to showcase their products and promote cultural exchange, with plans to train professional ham slicers in China [5][6] - The demand for high-quality products in China is rising, prompting Guijoro's ham producers to focus on quality and cultural significance in their offerings [5][6]

Core Insights - Iberian ham has become a "star product" at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), significantly increasing its presence on Chinese consumers' tables since its first participation in 2018 [1][3] - The town of Guijoro, which produces about 60% of Spain's Iberian ham, is experiencing growth due to the demand from the Chinese market [1][3] Group 1: Market Expansion - The participation in CIIE has accelerated the entry of Iberian ham into the Chinese market, with initial sales exceeding expectations, leading to increased interest from Spanish ham producers [3][4] - The Spanish government signed an agreement to allow the export of bone-in ham to China shortly after the first CIIE, creating new opportunities for Iberian ham companies [4][6] Group 2: Economic Impact - The town of Guijoro has around 6,000 residents and over 120 ham companies, providing employment for more than 90% of the local population [3][5] - The export value of Spanish ham and cured shoulder products to China is projected to exceed €28 million in 2024, reflecting a growth of approximately 60% compared to five years ago [4][6] Group 3: Cultural Exchange and Quality Demand - There is a growing demand in China for high-quality products, prompting Spanish companies to focus on quality and cultural significance in their offerings [5][6] - Spanish companies are planning to conduct cultural exchange activities in China, including training professional ham slicers, to enhance their market presence [5][6]