For international buyers, importers and distributors, Italian dry-cured hams remain a high-interest product category because they combine strong perceived value, the recognizability of Made in Italy, and the opportunity to build assortments suited to different channels, from retail and deli counters to food service. In this context, Ferrarini complements its long-standing specialization in cooked ham with a range of aged dry-cured hams, built around tradition, consistent quality and commercial flexibility.
Ferrarini, an Italian company founded in 1956, has built over time an offering that, alongside cooked ham and other specialties from Emilia's cured meat tradition, also includes Prosciutto di Parma PDO and aged dry-cured hams.
Production takes place at the Lesignano de' Bagni plant, in the hills around Parma, as part of an ongoing development path focused on quality, innovation and sustainability. More than 700,000 hams are aged every year, with different sizes and aging periods available to meet a wide range of customer needs.
Ferrarini's range for retail, deli and food service in international markets
For companies operating in international markets, one of the most relevant factors is the ability to work with a range that supports segmentation by format, positioning and intended use. Ferrarini's dry-cured ham selection is designed with this in mind and includes Prosciutto di Parma PDO and Gran Cuvee Aged Dry-Cured Ham - two products created to meet different needs while sharing the same foundation of production quality and careful aging.
This approach can be especially appealing for importers and distributors looking to build a coherent assortment across multiple channels - including retail, specialty deli and food service - with products that stand out for their sensory profile, production method and clearly identifiable commercial strengths.
Ferrarini Prosciutto di Parma PDO
Prosciutto di Parma PDO is a 100% natural product, made with carefully selected pork legs sourced from pigs raised within the controlled PDO supply chain, and sea salt. This choice highlights the simplicity of the recipe and the importance of raw material quality - both highly relevant in export markets, where ingredient transparency is often a competitive advantage.
One of its distinctive features is the Pini Group integrated supply chain, which ensures raw materials are fully sourced within the group's own supply chain and carefully selected on the basis of meat and fat quality.
From a production standpoint, Ferrarini emphasizes craftsmanship "according to the rules of the art", balancing ham size with aging time. Ferrarini Prosciutto di Parma PDO develops its organoleptic profile in historic aging cellars located below ground level - spaces rich in aromas shaped over more than fifty years of activity - where the balance between sweetness and savory notes takes form.
This is a feature that strengthens the product story both in commercial terms and in communication with the end consumer.
Gran Cuvee Aged Dry-Cured Ham
Alongside its Parma PDO, Ferrarini also offers Gran Cuvee Aged Dry-Cured Ham, a 100% natural product made with carefully selected pork and sea salt, with no added nitrites or nitrates. This profile may be especially relevant for distributors looking for products aligned with growing demand for clean labels and production choices perceived as more natural.
The selection of the pork legs is one of this product's defining features. Ferrarini uses heavy legs with a good fat percentage, a factor that contributes to the ham's sweetness. Gran Cuvee is produced and aged at the Lesignano de' Bagni plant, where Ferrarini has also been aging Prosciutti di Parma PDO for over 50 years, reinforcing continuity in both know-how and production environment.
Slow natural aging is a crucial stage in aroma development, especially given the absence of added preservatives. At the same time, Ferrarini combines this traditional approach with an advanced production process designed to ensure safety, transparency and consistent quality.
From a sensory perspective, Gran Cuvee stands out for its sweet flavor and soft texture, along with a uniform pink color and a visible outer layer of fat. Together, these characteristics support premium positioning and make the product suitable for both deli-counter presentation and pre-sliced formats, depending on the distribution strategy adopted in each market.
Why Ferrarini's range stands out for international buyers and distributors
Ferrarini positions itself as a partner for distributors, retailers, importers and food service operators looking for high value-added products that express the heritage of Italian gastronomy. More specifically, its dry-cured ham range offers several strengths of particular interest:
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a broad category range, including Prosciutto di Parma PDO and aged dry-cured hams, helping build more complete assortments -
different sizes and aging periods, making it easier to segment the offer and adapt it to different channels
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clear commercial strengths, from naturalness and integrated supply chain control to aging expertise and sensory profile
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a balance between traditional production methods and process control, which is essential for ensuring consistent quality.
In a market where authenticity, supplier reliability and positioning consistency are becoming increasingly important, Ferrarini's dry-cured hams represent a strong option for companies looking to promote Made in Italy through recognizable products suited to different commercial contexts.
Information and Requests
To learn more about Ferrarini's product range and catalog, visit the website or fill out the contact form below.
