Jinhua in Zhejiang province has made advancements in the preservation, innovation, and legal protection of its ham industry, as announced at a news conference on Nov 14.
Jiang Neng, director of the Jinhua market supervision administration, said that Jinhua ham industry was recognized as a historical classic industry in Zhejiang in January, marking a new development stage for the industry.
In the first three quarters, Jinhua ham production reached 2.95 million pieces, with 68,400 pieces made from Liangtouwu pigs — Jinhua's iconic pig breed. This year, the industry's total output value is expected to exceed 2.6 billion yuan ($365.71 million). New products like ham ice cream and ham cookies have also gained great popularity.
To drive development, Jinhua launched a campaign to support enterprises, helping them resolve over 10 technical challenges with expert assistance. The city also issued policy guidelines to support high-quality growth across the ham industry chain.
Additionally, Jinhua ham's geographical indication is now under unified management, with national quality standards enforced.
The brand visibility of Jinhua ham has increased through events such as National Food Safety Publicity Week and live-streaming activities. The Liangtouwu and Jinhua Ham Industry Alliance, formed in April, has enabled deeper collaboration between both sectors.
Jiang emphasized that legal protection is crucial for long-term growth. The draft Regulations on the Promotion of Jinhua Ham Industry Development are nearly complete and are intended to establish a strong legal foundation for the industry's continued progress.
