We are very proud that the Royal Academy of Gastronomy has announced its special 2017 award has been given to José Gómez, Joselito. According to the academics, this honour is due to «our work in spreading the culture related to ham». A special prize in every sense, because of the organisation awarding it, because of what it means and also because it is the second time it has been given to us.

150 years is a lot of experience… they have helped us open up markets in 56 countries, develop revolutionary ideas such as JoselitoLab and establish our own herd of Iberian pigs. But these 150 years have also given us recognition that serves to encourage us to continue with our values and vision regarding the world of acorn-fed Iberian ham, committed to excellence and 100% natural production. A slow and difficult road, which requires passion and dedication, but days like today make it all the more worthwhile.

Among the recognitions that have been given to José Gómez and Joselito throughout our history, as we have already mentioned, the one awarded by the Royal Academy of Gastronomy makes us especially proud. An institutional award for our work in the promotion and safeguarding of Iberian acorn-fed ham as one of the great treasures of Spanish gastronomy at a national level. A recognition of our passion for providing the best restaurants and shops in the world with acorn-fed Iberian products and defending a 100% natural production process.

An award that recognizes a 150-year track record

There is a lot of research carried out at scientific centres, universities and other institutions, all in order to better understand a thousand-year-old way of doing things. Because in these 150 years we have realised that it is not enough to take our products to the length and breadth of the world, but that it is also essential to make it known that acorn-fed Iberian ham is not only an excellent product, but is also a way of understanding both the climate and the pig.

Many hours of reforestation are also required to achieve these 2,400,000 holm oaks, all to preserve one of Joselito’s secrets: a unique pasture land. Because these 150 years have also taught us that the best way to approach the future is to preserve our legacy and safeguard that which has made ham an unrivalled product.

Because this award honours all of these things, José Gómez and all of us who make up Joselito, would like to thank you and take this opportunity to redouble our commitment not only to continue to make what for many is the best ham in the world, but also to continue to make this tradition reach more and more palates.

Thank you.