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Strengthening Trust in the Iberian Ham Production Model at FOODEX JAPAN 2026

The Iberian Pig Interprofessional Association (ASICI) is set to make its mark at FOODEX JAPAN 2026, one of the largest food exhibitions in Japan, from March 10 to 13, 2026. This participation aligns with ASICI’s goal of reinforcing trust in the Iberian ham production model within the Japanese market and will be led by a delegation representing the industry.

This event in Tokyo is part of the European promotional campaign "Awaken Your Ibérico Sense," which aims to share accurate and stringent information regarding the production system, hygiene management, and traceability mechanisms of Iberian ham with various stakeholders, including media, government representatives, and professionals from the food and hospitality industries.

Transparency in Trade Relations

Currently, the trade relationship between Japan and the Spanish pig farming industry stands at a crucial juncture, particularly after Japan temporarily halted imports of Spanish pork as a preventive measure against African Swine Fever (ASF). During this international exhibition, the Iberian ham industry plans to transparently explain the management, prevention, and food safety systems operating under the European production model.

FOODEX serves as a platform for dialogue with the Japanese market during its four-day run. Industry representatives will hold meetings with Japanese media, government officials, and leaders in the food industry to comprehensively introduce the Iberian ham production model, which adheres to Europe's stringent standards for traceability, hygiene, and quality management.

On the first day of the exhibition (March 10), special attention will be given to media programs. ASICI will host an information session accompanied by tastings, allowing participants to directly understand the European food safety system applicable to Iberian ham and its connection to Mediterranean gastronomy culture and the Dehesa ecosystem.

We expect the Spanish Ambassador to Japan, Iñigo de Palacio España, and the head of the Economic and Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy in Japan, Gonzalo Ramos Puig, to attend the session. They will update journalists on the current state of institutional dialogue and negotiations regarding Japan's principles of regionalization.

After the session, industry representatives will hold individual interviews with various media outlets to delve deeper into the economics, culture, and gastronomy surrounding Iberian ham.

Engaging with Food Industry Stakeholders

Following the second day of the exhibition, a series of meetings is scheduled with stakeholders in Japan's food industry and respective institutions. Government officials, importers, distributors, hospitality industry representatives, and retail buyers will participate in these discussions, providing a forum for exchanging views on both regulatory and technical aspects.

Topics will include regulatory cooperation, hygiene management, quality management systems, and potential future market developments. Additionally, Gonzalo Ramos Puig will attend these meetings to support the industry in dialogues with key stakeholders in the Japanese government and markets.

Throughout the exhibition, representatives from the Iberian ham industry will provide in-depth explanations of the institutional elements that guarantee product authenticity and safety. This includes the application of the Iberian quality standards (Real Decreto 4/2014), as well as identification and monitoring systems that allow for product tracking throughout the entire production chain. The presentation will also highlight the production model connected to the Dehesa, a unique ecosystem that encompasses environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and centuries-old livestock farming traditions.

Japan's Strategic and Growing Market

The participation in FOODEX JAPAN 2026 is framed within a broader strategy aimed at enhancing the recognition and positioning of dry-cured ham and shoulder meats in one of the world's most demanding gastronomic markets. Although there are no specific statistics solely for Iberian ham, global trends in the international trade of cured hams and shoulder meats indicate a steady expansion of its global presence.

According to data from ICEX-ESTACOM (the official export statistics of the Spanish government), exports are expected to reach €750.57 million in 2025, marking a 3.94% increase from 2024, and a cumulative growth of 64.01% since 2019. Regionally, Europe remains the primary export market, accounting for 73.63% of the total, while the Asian market is expanding its share, contributing €61.5 million or 8.19% of the total.

Within Asia, Japan occupies an important position. Projections indicate that in 2025, Japan's imports of dry-cured ham and shoulder meats will amount to €21.86 million. While a minor adjustment (-0.83%) has been observed recently, long-term growth continues to show strong upward trends. The cumulative growth rate from 2021 to 2025 is anticipated to reach an impressive 194.19%, effectively tripling the market size within five years.

This increasing interest naturally aligns with core values deeply rooted in Japanese culture, such as respect for the product's origin, meticulous attention to detail in artisanal processes, and a fundamental appreciation for time as a crucial element in gastronomy.

Participation in FOODEX is pivotal within the ongoing European promotional program "Awaken Your Ibérico Sense" in Japan. Recently, this program featured activities such as masterclasses for gastronomic experts, restaurant partnerships, and press visits to regions of origin. Through these initiatives, the industry continues to communicate the history, culture, and production models of Iberian ham to Japanese society.

About the Iberian Pig Interprofessional Association (ASICI)

Established in 1992 and recognized as a collaborative entity in the agricultural, fisheries, and food sectors by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food in 1999, ASICI (Asociación Interprofesional del Cerdo Ibérico) is a non-profit association comprising producers (pig farmers) and processing/distribution entities.

For more information about "Awaken Your Ibérico Sense": Visit Official Site

For more about ASICI: Visit Official Site