In 2024, the Consortium for the Protection of Prosciutto di Carpegna PDO pressed forward with its strategy to bolster the product’s presence and reputation on the global stage. Embracing the slogan “Pure by birth, soft by nature,” the iconic ham from Italy’s Marche region built on a robust performance in 2023, when it achieved sales of 888 tons and a turnover of €15 million. Exports, comprising 6% of total revenue, continued to rise, driving a further 5% increase in turnover this year through product diversification and expanded international sales.
“We have dedicated significant efforts to communication and promotion both domestically and internationally,” noted Marco Pulici, Consortium‘s Vice President. “These initiatives have been instrumental in sharing the heritage of Prosciutto di Carpegna PDO and its position as a premium-quality product. The results have been encouraging, particularly in distribution channels and among restaurant professionals: a crucial audience with whom we are fostering deeper collaborations.”
Prosciutto di Carpegna PDO has garnered acclaim far beyond Italy, with growing demand in markets such as the United States, Australia, and the Benelux region. Consumers in these countries prize the product’s Made in Italy credentials and the intrinsic quality guaranteed by its PDO status.
Still produced exclusively in a single facility in Carpegna, the ham benefits from the region’s pristine climate, which plays a pivotal role in its distinctive character. Tracing its origins back to the 15th century, Prosciutto di Carpegna PDO has consistently upheld its artisanal standards, catering to a niche but discerning market.
“Our ham’s quality,” Pulici explained, “stems from the careful selection of raw materials. We source pigs exclusively from farms in Marche, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy. Every production stage reflects meticulous craftsmanship, from hand-massaging the meat to the manual application of a proprietary mix of ingredients, some kept as trade secrets. These methods lend the ham its unique balance of sweet and savory flavors, with an intense and aromatic finish.”