Iberico ham is a delicacy that many consider the pinnacle of cured meats, renowned for its rich flavors and exceptional quality. Originating from the Iberian Peninsula, it is made from Iberian pigs that are traditionally raised on an acorn-rich diet, which contributes to its distinctive taste and marbled texture. The best brands in the Iberico ham market stand out for their dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and authenticity, ensuring a sublime culinary experience with every slice. For those looking to explore the premium offerings of Iberico ham, the list below showcases some of the top brands that have earned accolades and trust from ham connoisseurs worldwide.
Illustration of iberico ham
Best brands of iberico ham in 2025
Cinco Jotas
Cinco Jotas is a world-renowned producer of 100% Iberico ham, with a legacy dating back to 1879. The brand is known for its exclusive use of free-range, 100% purebred Iberico pigs that graze on a diet rich in acorns in the dehesas of southwestern Spain, resulting in a characteristic nutty flavor and exceptional marbling. The ham undergoes a meticulous production process, including nearly two years of pig development and about three years of natural curing, ensuring unparalleled flavor and texture. Cinco Jotas products comply with the strictest Spanish and international health regulations and certifications. The brand's hams are produced in Jabugo, a region declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
Joselito
Joselito is renowned as one of the best producers of Iberico ham, with over 150 years of experience and six generations of the same family dedicated to this ancestral tradition. Founded in 1868, Joselito is known for its 100% natural products, free from preservatives and additives, along with its commitment to biodiversity. The brand's vintage hams are cured for more than 82 months, making them a unique gastronomic jewel. Joselito's pigs spend two seasons grazing in the mountains, significantly enhancing the meat's quality. This exclusive ham can fetch prices up to EUR80,000 for its oldest and rarest pieces.
Jamones Eiriz
Jamones Eiriz is a renowned producer of Iberico ham, boasting a 200-year tradition in the industry and located in Corteconcepcion, a village in the Sierra de Aracena. The company, now in its fourth generation, is led by Domingo Eiriz and his brothers, who maintain a strong commitment to quality and tradition. Their Iberian pigs are raised freely, consuming up to 12 kilograms of acorns per day, resulting in hams that are cured for at least 36 months. Jamones Eiriz has received numerous awards, including four gold medals and a silver medal for their acorn-fed Iberian ham, and has been recognized at the Great Taste Award in London. The company's products are exported to major European markets and beyond, reflecting their international prestige.
Carrasco Guijuelo
Carrasco Guijuelo is one of the esteemed brands in the production of Iberico ham, renowned for its high-quality products derived from purebred black Iberian pigs. These pigs are raised in the pastures of Salamanca and Extremadura, ensuring a rich and intense flavor profile. The Carrasco family has been perfecting their craft for four generations, with a curing process that spans at least 12 months for shoulders and 24 months for hams. The hams are characterized by their firm consistency in muscular masses and slightly unctuous adipose tissue, with a distinctive aroma and flavor. The brand adheres strictly to the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) guidelines, guaranteeing the authenticity and quality of their products. For more detailed information, visit their official website.
Finca Helechal
Finca Helechal stands out as a leading producer of Iberico ham, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, ethical farming, and animal welfare. Located in the heart of Spain's oak forests, Finca Helechal's Iberico pigs roam freely, foraging on a natural acorn-rich diet that enhances the flavor and texture of the meat. This brand emphasizes traditional curing methods and ensures that the pigs replace about 60% of their entry weight on a diet of acorns and grasses during the finishing period, resulting in the highest quality Jamon de Bellota grade. Finca Helechal's products are crafted with meticulous care, reflecting the brand's dedication to quality and heritage. Their emphasis on ethical practices makes them a leader in the Iberico market. For more insights into the finest delicacy from Spain, visit the comprehensive guide on Iberico pork.
Beher
Beher, a renowned Spanish ham producer, is celebrated for its high-quality Iberico ham, particularly its "Bellota Oro" (Gold Acorn) which was awarded "Best ham in the world" in 2007, 2010, and 2013. The company, founded in the 1930s, is now one of the 300 biggest companies in Castile and Leon and manages 2% of the market. Beher's products are exported to over 30 countries worldwide, including Brazil, South Korea, and Japan. The company has received numerous awards, including 22 gold medals at the International Fair of Frankfurt in 2013 and 2016. Beher's commitment to rearing free-range Iberian pigs and a meticulous curing process has earned it global recognition.
Julián Martín
Julian Martin, a renowned leader in the Iberian ham sector since 1933, is celebrated for its traditional and excellence-driven approach to producing high-quality Iberian hams. Their 100% acorn-fed Iberian hams are aged for over three years (1000 days) in natural cellars in the Sierra de Guijuelo, ensuring a distinctive and intense acorn flavor. The company maintains strict quality standards, holding BRC and IFS certifications, and is committed to animal welfare and traditional manufacturing processes. Julian Martin's products are characterized by their delicate fragrance, ruby color, and fine texture, making them a staple of Spanish gastronomy. With installations in Guijuelo and the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, Julian Martin continues to uphold its heritage and quality.
Señorío de Montanera
Senorio de Montanera is a leading brand in the production of pure acorn-fed Iberico ham, having been the undisputed leader in this sector since 1995 under the Dehesa de Extremadura Designation of Origin. The company ensures excellent quality and homogeneity through its control of the entire production line, from breeding 100% Iberico pigs in organic-certified dehesas to traditional production methods. Senorio de Montanera introduced its first 100% organic Iberian hams to the market in 2017, with organic production now making up around 5-7% of their total output. Their products undergo a slow maturation process of over four years and are certified with zero residue of genetically modified organisms. The brand's commitment to innovation and sustainability has earned them prestigious awards, including a prize at the 2017 Great Taste Awards in London. For more detailed information on their mastery of the Iberico in Extremadura, visit Senorio de Montanera's official site.
Covap
Covap, a renowned producer of Iberico ham, stands out for its high-quality products, particularly the 100% Iberico de Bellota ham, which is aged for over 3 years and produced from pigs freely roaming on at least 2.5 acres in the Valle de los Pedroches in Southern Spain. This ham is certified by the Consejo Regulador de la Denominacion de Origen de Los Pedroches, ensuring the highest quality and adherence to strict production criteria. Covap's commitment to animal welfare is further highlighted by its Aenor certification. The company has been a significant player in the market since 2010, when it began exporting to the US, and it is one of the top feed producers in Spain, contributing to the country's 13.59% share of European feed production.
Monte Nevado
Monte Nevado is a renowned brand in the production of high-quality Iberico ham, with a rich history dating back to 1898. This family-owned business, based in Segovia, Spain, is known for its meticulous selection of raw materials and a rigorous, controlled curing process that can last over four years. Their Iberico Bellota ham is made from 100% Iberico breed pigs that are fed on acorns and grass, resulting in a product that is GMO-free, gluten-free, and rich in vitamins and proteins. The company has expanded its operations, including the development of a new plant in 2008 with a capacity for 500,000 Iberico hams. Monte Nevado's products are highly regarded for their intense, complex flavors and health benefits.
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