Within the framework of the XIII World Ham Congress 2026, Costa Brava Mediterranean Foods took part in the session ‘Innovation at the service of the ham industry’, organized by FECIC (Spanish Business Federation of Meat and Meat Industries) and ANICE (National Association of the Spanish Meat Industry).

During the session, the Technical Director of the Ham Division, Josue Saz Manzano, participated in the roundtable discussion “Innovation as a tool to address the challenges of the ham industry”, together with Jaume Planella, Corporate Director of R&D&i at Noel Alimentaria, and Luis Sánchez-Alcáraz, CEO of Jamones Duríber (Vall Companys Group). The session was moderated by Jacint Arnau, Senior Researcher at IRTA.

Throughout the debate, participants highlighted the real and measurable impact that innovation has already had on the sector’s competitiveness, particularly through improvements in production processes, packaging optimization and the digitalization of curing control. In addition, the use of data analysis has made it possible to achieve greater precision, consistency and efficiency, reducing losses and optimizing resources without altering the product’s distinctive qualities.

Technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain were also highlighted, as they have strengthened traceability and transparency, enabling companies to provide solutions for an increasingly informed and demanding consumer. At the same time, knowledge of curing processes and of the factors that determine product quality has advanced significantly.

At Costa Brava Mediterranean Foods we share a strong culture of innovation that allows us to maintain competitiveness, guarantee quality and respond to new market demands without losing our traditional essence.

“If we punish mistakes, we punish innovation,” said Josué.

We thank FECIC – Spanish Business Federation of Meat and Meat Industries – and ANICE for the opportunity to take part in these sessions, which bring great value and insight to the industry and the business community.