About HAMTRACE
HAMTRACE is a European research and innovation project bringing together scientists, technology developers, industry partners and sector organisations to strengthen authenticity and traceability in the dry-cured ham sector.
Coordinated by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, the project combines expertise in analytical chemistry, food science, artificial intelligence, digital technologies and supply-chain systems. Together, the consortium is developing new methods to verify product origin, analyse curing processes and link physical products with secure digital records.
The project aims to support producers and regulators in verifying authenticity, strengthen transparency across the value chain and reinforce consumer confidence in Europe’s premium dry-cured ham products.
“Europe’s premium dry-cured hams represent centuries of culinary heritage, but protecting their authenticity in today’s global market requires new approaches. HAMTRACE brings together science and digital innovation to provide reliable ways of verifying origin, strengthening trust for producers, regulators and consumers alike.”
— Prof. Manuel Valiente, Project Coordinator,
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Europe’s traditional dry-cured hams are the result of centuries of regional knowledge, specialised farming practices and carefully controlled curing methods. When products are misrepresented or substituted within complex supply chains, the consequences go beyond economic loss. Such practices can erode consumer confidence, weaken the viability of smaller producers and undermine the cultural heritage and sustainable production systems that these foods represent.
The Challenge to Sustainability and Heritage
HAMTRACE will deliver new scientific, technological and collaborative outcomes to strengthen authenticity and transparency in the dry-cured ham sector. The project will develop validated methods for chemical fingerprinting, integrate digital traceability tools such as secure tags and data systems, and generate new insights into market trends and consumer perceptions. Through pilot demonstrations and international collaboration, HAMTRACE aims to support more reliable product verification, strengthen consumer trust and improve the competitiveness of Europe’s premium dry-cured ham producers.
Expected Results
HAMTRACE is developing new tools and approaches to strengthen authenticity, transparency and competitiveness across Europe’s dry-cured ham value chain.
By combining advanced scientific analysis with digital traceability technologies, the project aims to improve the detection of mislabelling and help verify product origin more reliably. At the same time, HAMTRACE promotes better market insights, collaboration and knowledge exchange across the sector.
Together, these activities aim to protect product authenticity while supporting the long-term sustainability of Europe’s traditional dry-cured ham heritage.
The HAMTRACE Solutions
