Do we need the protection of the Spanish Iberian pig with some type of seal against the production in the United States of its own ham with the pig breed imported from Spain? We still do not know the consequences and the reception it will have in the American market in the near or medium-term future for the national sector, although it will surely be an image problem, knowing the Americans.

The exclusivity of the breed

Iberian ham produced in North American territory already began to be a reality two years ago when two American companies began to open this path. That possibility has materialized in this year 2020 and the Iberian Swine Association for exploitation in the United States. Until six companies They have joined her to raise it in conditions similar to those of our Spanish pastures. Through the importation of the Spanish autochthonous breed to the United States, although later the Spanish characteristics of hatcheries and dryers are not cloned there. We could speak of reasonable similarities, but we cannot say that they are the same at all.

It is necessary the protection of the Iberian pig Spanish by means of a stamp in front of the elaboration in United States of your own ham with said pig breed imported from Spain? We still do not know what the impact that this could have in the near or medium-term future for the national sector.

The sector demands the protection of the Iberian pig for being a product exclusive NEROX of our country. Although race cannot be related to a specific nation, a Protected Geographical Indication It would help a lot to protect this animal as a Spanish product. Its purity is exclusive Spanish. Not only that, it is linked to the unique and uncopiable territory of the pasture, an exclusive ecosystem of the Iberian Peninsula, which cannot be imitated in other countries. For these reasons, the organization that brings together all Spanish producers of Iberian pig (asici) should look after the interests. Both from farmers and from the ham itself that is made in Spain. Spain must make a protectionist effort for one of the most important brands in our country.

Two reasons for the protection of the Iberian pig

There is free competition so that any company can produce any product, precisely for this first reason it should be promoted the protection of the Iberian pig. The United States is an example of what can happen in other parts of the world. Spaniards around the world could copy the American model, and with the importation of the Iberian pig breed, and in spaces that have the geographical conditions adequate, in addition to other aspects necessary for its production, could harm our gastronomic industry with more tradition. So there would be an introduction of non-Spanish hams, but with the Iberian breed label ... a disaster for our hegemony and for our almost dictatorial leadership.

Marketing: Essential to Maintaining Leadership

Along the same lines, another reason to protect our pig has to do with the impact of message and marketing. The Americans are very good at this, and they could convince American consumers that their Iberian ham is identical or better quality to Spanish, and lower our sales in the Yankee country.

The message based on aspects such as the ecosystem, feeding the pig with acorns, traceability or healing… That differentiate the product obtained in our country. But if the taste is ok and good, those particularities may not matter to the buyer. It would be negative for our industry because the United States would also enter the Iberian market in this way, assuming a competitor for sales in other countries.

We must work to obtain that the Iberian name can only be used with products that come from the Iberian Peninsula, and work to protect the Iberian Pig, national heritage.