Once again in 2021 Prosciutto di San Daniele PDO was confirmed as one of the most purchased
and consumed Italian food and wine products of excellence, in Italy and abroad.
Last year total production of Prosciutto di San Daniele saw an increase of 3%, with 2,630,000 pork
legs produced by the 45 slaughterhouses and processed by the 3,626 authorised Italian pig
farms. The number of legs sold in 2021 amounted to 2.8 million, generating a total turnover of 350
million euros and recording an increase of 14% compared to 2020. 83% of the total production
was earmarked for domestic consumption, while 17% crossed over the national borders.
Exports recorded excellent results that confirm a recognition and appreciation of San Daniele PDO
at global level, registering a 17% increase in sales compared to the previous year for product sent
to markets outside of Italy.
56% of the foreign quota reached the markets of EU countries. Generally, among the most
important countries for exports, France, the United States, Germany, Australia and Belgium
confirmed their position as leaders. Positive results also came from Poland, Austria, the Netherlands,
Canada and Brazil.
The total production of trays of pre-sliced prosciutto increased by 8% with more than 23.1 million
certified packs, equivalent to 465,000 hams, amounting to a total of over 2.15 million kilograms.
Figures that are in contrast to the 1.5% drop in consumption figures for the cold cuts sector and
significantly higher than the 3% increase recorded by Italian dry cured hams. Prosciutto di San
Daniele’s quota was equal to 14% of the total as compared to all Italian dry cured hams, an increase
on the previous period.
“In a complex global scenario”, declared Giuseppe Villani, Chairman of the Consortium, “the
economic data for the sector are positive and satisfactory both in the domestic market and in exports.
Production increased by 3% compared to the previous year and packages of pre-sliced ham
recorded an increase of more than 8%. The necessary capability to adapt to the new consumption
models and the high quality of San Daniele have helped to maintain the brand’s positioning and
consolidate the economic results.”