Pork meat prices in China hit Spanish Jamon exporters
Despite dramatic growth seen in the US, Japan, Mexico and Australia, Consorcio del Jamon Serrano fears the effects created by the increased demand for pork from China. “Spain exports to China for fresh pork meat have boomed this year and it has two effects on the pork processing industry: the scarcity of quality meat and a huge increase in price”, explained Carlos del Hoyo, Marketing Director for Consorcio del Jamon Serrano.
In the last 5 years, Spanish Jamon exports have grown substantially. What countries did you open during that time and which of those has constantly increased the demand for Jamon Serrano?
Consorcio del Jamon Serrano sales have increased by 40% in the past 5 years. In the UE, Germany, Frances, Belgium, UK and The Netherlands lead the way. As for markets out of the UE, the US, Japan, Mexico and Australia have experienced dramatic growth
In Europe and Asia, pork prices have increased in the last 6 months. How is that reflected in the price of premium products?
It is a big concern for premium producers. Spain's exports to China for fresh pork meat have boomed this year and it has two effects on the pork processing industry: the scarcity of quality meat and a huge increase in price. It is difficult to convey this cost increase onto the retailer buying prices so we are seeing margins shrinking.
Earlier this year, Consorcio del Jamon Serrano and Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma have signed a partnership to represent both brands in the Australian market. How is this collaboration working so far and what are your plans for the short-term and mid-term regarding this joint-venture?
Both Consorcio and Parma share the same challenges in that market: provide information about the quality standards and values of premium cured hams. The main focus of this first year of cooperation is that our brand ambassadors should train and educate our distributors and retailers about those characteristics. At the end of this year, we will review the work that has been done and began planning for the 2020’s campaign
Meat has been "under attack" lately for environmental and health-related issues. What is the position of the Consortium on that matter?
All I can say is that all Consorcio’associates comply with UE regulations on this matter. Needless to say, the highest standards on these issues are mandatory to obtain the best quality pork meat to process premium products such as Consorcio Jamon Serrano
2019 was a year of great focus on the Japanese market. The FTA signed between the EU and Japan is helping you boost the sales in this market? What do you foresee in terms of sales in the near future in this market?
We were part of the UE High Mission to Japan in May 2019, led by Agriculture Commisar Mr. Phil Hogan and could learn about the opportunities the Japanese market offers by ourselves. It is a fantastic country with a developed gastronomy culture and a well-earned culinary prestige. The Japanese consumer has both the comprehension and income to buy premium products. If I may underline a good strategy there is that any premium player should provide the right info to gain confidence. Japanese consumers love to know more about the goods they buy
If I'm not wrong, Consorcio del Jamon Serrano has 29 producers as members. There are any other ham producers in Spain who expressed their will to join the Consortium?
Any ham producer is welcome to approach us. We will be delighted to explain to them that a commitment to quality and a solid export strategy are two requirements they should meet to join our association
In mid-September Spain hosted the 10th edition of "Congreso Mundial de Jamon". What can you tell us about the event and your position presented during the talks?
The World Cured Ham Summit celebrates every two years and it is an excellent opportunity for the industry to discuss developments and challenges we are facing. As Consorcio, we were involved in the arrangements of the summit and were honored to talk about global export figures and promotion trends on strategic markets. I think the info we provided was well received and useful to the industry.
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