FROM now on, foodies in Shenzhen will have full access to taste Ibérico bone-in ham, a specialty from Spain which can be found in every kitchen and restaurant throughout the country. Shenzhen Jiarui Food Co. has joined hands with the Obsidian Bar and Cinco Jotas (5J) brands to officially introduce the ham brand to South China at a launching ceremony Nov. 28 on the sixth floor of the Ping An Finance Center.

“South China could not be reputed as ‘a heaven for foodies’ without the availability of Ibérico bone-in ham. We’re very proud to be the first company to introduce the Ibérico bone-in ham to Shenzhen,” said Zhao Bin, general manager of Shenzhen Jiarui Food Co., which is specialized in the import and sale of high-end food materials.

China and Spain signed the “China-Spain Pork Agreement” last November, lifting the ban that the Chinese mainland could only sell boneless ham.

One of Spain’s finest brands of Ibérico hams, 5J bone-in ham was showcased at the 2019 Shanghai International Import Expo in November, marking the beginning of China importing Ibérico bone-in ham.

Founded by Mr. Rafael Sánchez Romero in 1879, Cinco Jotas is located in Jabugo on the province of Andalusia in Spain. The hoof of an acorn-fed 100 percent Ibérico ham is black, hence the nickname “pata negra.” The purebred Ibérico pigs graze freely throughout the Dehesa woodlands and roam some 14 kilometers daily. (Yang Mei)