Parma ham imports on the rise in 2024

The Netherlands ranks among the largest European importers of Parma ham. In 2024, a total of 76,110 hams entered the country, an increase of over 20% compared to 2023. This puts the Netherlands in fourth place within the EU, according to the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma. 

France tops the list with 410,897 hams, followed by Germany (311,464) and Belgium (99,400). Italians remain the most devoted consumers: 62% of all Parma ham stays in the domestic market, while 38% is exported worldwide.

Pre-sliced ham gaining ground in the Netherlands

Parma ham crosses the border both as whole hams and in sliced form. In the Netherlands, pre-packaged sliced varieties are particularly popular. In 2024, over 85% of the imported Parma ham was pre-sliced; just under 15% consisted of whole hams. In 2023, that ratio was slightly different, with around 80% being pre-sliced and 20% whole hams.

Limited export volumes

More than 9.2 million hams were produced in the Parma region in 2024. The number of hams available for export remains limited to around 2.5 million each year. The United States is the largest market outside Italy, receiving over 800,000 hams in 2024 — an increase of more than 10% compared to the previous year. Roughly 3% of total exports are shipped to the Netherlands, including via selected Parma ham Specialists.

Prosciuttodiparma.com