Jan. 28 – It’s good, healthy and genuine: three reasons why Parma ham continues to be known and appreciated all over the world. Today, one of the most representative Italian products analyzes its past year of activity: in fact, 2012 brought brilliant results in the United States, where approximately 520 thousand hams were exported, for a 17% increase in growth and a 74,500 increase in products sold over the previous year. Pre-sliced products also continue the positive trend of recent years with more than 2 million portions sold. “We are very satisfied with our achievements in the U.S. market, which in 2012 marked the highest balance of exports for Parma ham outside Europe – said Paolo Tanara, President of the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma – we worked hard, allocating significant investments in the development of our product, brand protection and above all adapting to the strict procedures and health guarantees required.” In fact, the increase in sales volumes was accompanied by a significant rise in average prices, a factor that makes the result become even more significant: the value of exports of Parma ham in the United States amounted to approximately €45 million. “It’s a success story that rewards the efforts of associated companies that believed and helped build over time a very important market,” stressed Stefano Fanti, director of the Consortium. “A well-deserved success – he added – that must be shared with all those who are engaged daily with Parma ham and ensure all the safety requirements and traceability are in order”. Expectations report steady growth in the medium term and an export pattern substantially in balance for 2013, a year that will consolidate the positions conquered thanks to the support of promotional activities in stores and with associated companies (and their importers and distributors). Activities will also include an extensive product development program that will see Prosciutto di Parma participate in the most important fairs and initiatives in the United States.
