municipality of Villanueva de Cordoba This weekend, the company held the 25th edition of the 100% Iberian acorn-fed ham fair, which served to safeguard the quality of the produce protected by the Los Pedroches DOP.
This Sunday was dedicated to the 25th annual Contest of the Best. cutr National Bellota Ham Francisco Javier Garcia PerezWith his first victory, the Aracena native has advanced to the national finals to be held in Villanueva de Córdoba in 2026.
Finishing on the podium was Francisco Jiménez from Jaén. Brigida Castellifrom Saragoro (Rome). This is the first year that the competition has up to three women on its participant list, two of whom hold key positions. In addition, Francisco Javier García won the Best Plating Award, repeating this award, and the Most Creative Plating Award. Laura Ray.
In addition to these awards, the awarding of Holm Oaks Gold, Silver and Bronze awards and recognition by the Appellations of Origin Regulation Committee businessman Pedro Cerro Caballero and José Luz Ramírez, as well as journalist Juan Luis Dorado, put the final touches on the edition that determined to hold the fair in November, but at the same time to gather a large audience in a new location and be able to enjoy all the activities in the same environment.
The City Council’s efforts have been supported by many participants, and Mayor Villanueva de Córdoba said the changes introduced have “enabled continued leaps in quality.” Isaac Reyes.
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The city councilor emphasized the basics of the fair, namely that Los Pedroches ham is a “huge attraction” for the region. The numbers generated by the fair speak for 100 percent of the tasting tickets sold. So the sales are: 1,600 bonus. moreover, tunnel 800 people passed through the Ham and enjoyed a sensory experience that was cemented and improved by the changes introduced.
Chairman of the prefectural assembly; Salvador Fuenteswho participated in the event’s closing ceremony, emphasized that “to talk about Iberia is to talk about identity, economy and Iberia.” region».
Fuentes recalled: “Cordoba is first state The production of Iberian pigs in Andalusia accounts for 36% of the production of this type of livestock in our autonomous community. But beyond numbers, Iberian pigs are a way of life, a way of understanding territory and sustaining life. ecosystem “It’s everyone’s heritage, just like the meadow.”
The state House speaker referred to the 25th anniversary celebration, which has “become a massive event” from humble beginnings promoted by growers and neighbors. About This has been possible thanks to the efforts of the City Council, the Protected Designation of Origin of Los Pedroches, and the industry itself, which knows how to combine tradition, innovation and sustainability to bring Iberian varieties to the top.
He added: “This fair is not just a gastronomic exhibition; it is also an economic engine and an economic tool.” tourism promotion and a determined commitment to rural areas.
On the final day, awards were given out in different categories of the competition.
Underscoring the State Congress’ support for this event, Fuentes added: “Our institutional work is based on defending the producers, promoting the product and linking it to the development of the land, and we do that with ‘Sabor a Córdoba’, which strengthens our image.” agribusiness And products that are genuine ambassadors of the region.
In this sense, he added: “In this joint work, we launched a joint strategy with Los Pedroches DOP to promote a common front against DO regulatory reform.” GuijueloThis would protect animals that are only 50% cross-bred from the Iberian breed, thus meaning reduced quality and economic damage for Cordoba producers.
The state agency’s president also noted the Expo’s 25th anniversary, saying it “shows that responsible growth is possible. In addition to promoting local employment, equality, responsible consumption, and regional employment. environmental educationThe Los Pedroches Ham Fair is already a model of sustainability and innovation in the rural world.
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