RECORD YEAR FOR SALES IN THE US

31.03.2008

U.S. sales of Prosciutto di Parma, Italy’s premium dry-cured ham, reached 6.55 million pounds in 2007, a record 20% rise over the previous year, according to data recently released by the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma (the association of Parma Ham producers). Thirteen percent of the Prosciutto di Parma was imported presliced in packages, while the remainder was shipped as whole hams, mostly deboned.

“We are so pleased about the growing popularity of Prosciutto di Parma in the United States,” commented Stefano Tedeschi, the president of the Consorzio. “In spite of mounting concerns about the economy and an unfavorable exchange rate with the euro, we’re exporting more hams every year to the U.S. It is clear that the American consumer appreciates the quality and authenticity that our product offers.” Prosciutto di Parma is the most preferred Italian cured ham in the U.S., with an 85% share of the market.

Recent marketing initiatives targeting foreign markets are reaping benefits, according to the Consorzio. Last year, 22% of total hams produced were exported to 60 countries around the world. France is still the largest consumer outside Italy, importing just slightly more that the U.S. did last year. Germany and the UK are also major importers. Emerging markets include Norway, Australia and Russia, as well as Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Korea and Thailand.

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