The Palacio de la Merced, the seat of the Diputación de Córdoba, hosted the presentation of the 26th Iberian Ham Fair, DOP Los Pedroches, which will be held from 5 to 8 November in Villanueva de Córdoba. Félix Romero, the provincial delegate for Economic Development, Promotion and Employment, announced the event alongside Villanueva de Córdoba's mayor, Isaac Reyes; Raquel López, the territorial delegate for Agriculture of the Junta de Andalucía; and Antonio Jesús Torralbo, president of the DOP Los Pedroches.
Romero described the fair as a significant event in the provincial calendar, bringing together the agricultural, livestock, industrial, and agri-food sectors of Córdoba. This year, the fair will feature three days of tastings open to the public. He stated, “From the Diputación Provincial de Córdoba, through the Provincial Institute of Economic Development (Iprodeco), we work to convert the recognition obtained in Ronda as the best ham in the world into more sales, more visitors to our towns, and more opportunities for the people and families living there.”
Romero emphasised that the fair connects products, landscapes, communities, and the families and farmers who dedicate their lives to producing this renowned ham. He highlighted the unique qualities of the ham, which is produced from pigs that feed on acorns in the largest dehesa (a type of pastureland) in Europe. “This ham is distinct because it starts with an oak tree and is raised in the dehesa,” he explained, adding that the quality is ensured through tradition, craftsmanship, technique, and the experience of those involved in its production.
He also noted the essential role of the DOP in guaranteeing the relationship between product and territory, providing consumer confidence regarding the quality and origin of the ham. Romero concluded by stating that the event generates economic activity, promotes marketing, attracts visitors, and contributes to rural population retention. The fair also serves as a promotional tool for a sustainable gastronomic tourism model closely linked to dehesa conservation.
Mayor Isaac Reyes mentioned that this year's edition retains many of the challenges faced in 2025 while introducing new features. Alongside the Ham Tunnel, visitors will enjoy an escape room titled 'Guardians of the Dehesa.' He also announced plans to formally request the Junta de Andalucía to designate the fair as a Festival of Tourist Interest in Andalucía. As the first gastro-destination included in the Network of Gastronomic Towns of Spain, the fair aims to showcase the region's tourism potential.
Reyes revealed that the regional tasting competition will expand to a provincial level, inviting all professionals in the province to participate on the Sunday of the event. Raquel López, the territorial delegate for Agriculture, reiterated the fair's success over the years due to the dedication of farmers and families committed to ensuring high-quality products. She highlighted Córdoba's leadership in Iberian pig production, with over 210,000 animals and more than 2,000 farms, as well as its 360,000 hectares of dehesa, a vital ecosystem for the quality of Iberian products.
Antonio Jesús Torralbo, president of the DOP Los Pedroches, stressed the importance of institutional support for the fair's growth, announcing that this edition will feature a more readable and modern label. He also noted that the municipality of Cambados, known as the capital of Albariño wine, will be the guest institution this year, reflecting a project linking the DOPs of Rías Baixas and Los Pedroches through the European campaign 'At Last Together.'
The programme for the 26th Iberian Ham Fair will include the XXVI Competition for the Best 100% Iberian Acorn Ham on Friday, 6 November, along with recognition for the farmer and farm where the winning pig was raised. This highlights the commitment of local agro-livestock farms to sustainability. Additionally, the competition for the Best Ham Slicer will take place on the same day, with the National Competition scheduled for Sunday, 8 November. The event will also feature technical workshops, seminars, business exhibitors, a price table for Iberian pigs, tasting spaces, local artisan and tourism companies, and guided tours.
