Exhibiting at International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025

The Consorcio del Chorizo Español is a non-profit trade association headquartered in Madrid, Spain, dedicated to the international promotion, standardization, and protection of authentic Spanish chorizo. Founded with the goal of enhancing global recognition of Spain’s iconic cured meat, the consortium brings together the country’s leading chorizo producers under a unified seal of quality, origin, and tradition.

Company Overview

The Consorcio del Chorizo Español (Spanish Chorizo Consortium) represents a collaborative effort among some of Spain’s most respected meat producers. It was created to safeguard the image of traditional Spanish chorizo in international markets and to provide a quality benchmark that assures authenticity and compliance with strict production criteria.

Through its hallmark "Consorcio del Chorizo Español" seal, the consortium certifies chorizo that meets rigorous quality standards, ensuring that only products made in Spain using traditional methods and ingredients bear the mark.

Core Business

As a trade association, the consortium does not produce chorizo directly but instead:

• Certifies and promotes genuine Spanish chorizo internationally
• Protects the cultural and gastronomic heritage of Spanish cured meats
• Supports member companies with branding, export marketing, and trade advocacy
• Facilitates communication between Spanish producers and international buyers

Product and Service Offerings

The consortium certifies various traditional chorizo formats, including:

• Chorizo Sarta – Horseshoe-shaped, air-cured sausage
• Chorizo Vela – Long, straight, thicker chorizo used for slicing
• Sliced Chorizo – Vacuum-packed or MAP-packed for convenience
• Cooking Chorizo – Fresher, softer chorizo intended for heat preparation
• Iberian Chorizo – Made from Iberian pork with distinct marbling and flavor
• Stringed Chorizo – Artisan-styled format, often used for regional recipes

Only chorizos that are entirely produced, dried, and packaged in Spain—using Spanish pork and conforming to traditional recipes—qualify for certification.

Specialisation and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

• Exclusive seal of authenticity ensuring true Spanish origin and artisanal production
• Rigorous quality control protocol involving physical, microbiological, and sensory testing
• Strategic support for exports, including presence at global trade fairs
• Promotion of "Made in Spain" branding as a marker of excellence in charcuterie
• Strong alignment with Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and industry bodies

Financials and Market Performance

The consortium operates on a non-profit basis, with funding primarily sourced from:

• Membership fees
• Public grants (from Spanish trade and agricultural promotion agencies)
• EU co-funded export promotion initiatives

Market performance insights from recent campaigns:

• In 2022, over 3.5 million kilograms of chorizo were exported under the consortium’s seal
• Export destinations included United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, and the United States
• Member companies reported double-digit growth in export sales compared to non-affiliated producers
• The chorizo market in the UK alone has grown by more than 15% year-on-year, driven in part by the consortium’s marketing efforts

Export and Shipment Impact

The Consorcio plays a key role in enhancing Spain’s cured meat exports:

• Certified chorizo is distributed in over 40 countries
• Strategic focus on non-EU markets such as the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Australia
• Participation in international food expos including SIAL, Anuga, and Gulfood
• The consortium helps members adapt to import regulations, labeling requirements, and customs documentation

Target Market

The consortium targets:

• International importers and distributors of premium cured meats
• Retail chains and gourmet food stores
• Chefs and restaurants seeking authentic Spanish ingredients
• Consumers demanding traceable, artisanal-quality charcuterie

Its focus is on premium and traditional food markets, often in countries with rising appreciation for Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine.

Capabilities

• Technical staff for product evaluation and certification
• In-house marketing and communications team for global campaigns
• Bilingual support for export documentation and regulatory navigation
• Close collaboration with ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones, the Spanish Foreign Trade Institute

Certifications and Compliance Records

All chorizo certified by the consortium must:

• Be made entirely in Spain
• Use pork exclusively from Spanish farms
• Conform to traditional curing methods (drying, fermentation)
• Undergo strict quality testing for moisture content, fat ratio, pH, and microbial levels

The seal assures authenticity, safety, and premium quality, in line with both EU food safety regulations and international import standards.

Customer Testimonials

Feedback from buyers and distributors highlights the value of the consortium’s efforts:

“The Consorcio seal gives us confidence in quality and origin. Our customers love seeing the certification on packaging.” — Importer, United Kingdom

“Spanish chorizo is in high demand, and being able to source certified, traditional products sets us apart in the market.” — Gourmet Retail Buyer, Canada

“The promotional support and trade fair visibility provided by the Consorcio have helped us expand to three new countries this year.” — Member Producer, Castilla y León

Major Achievements

• Over 20 member companies representing Spain’s top chorizo producers
• Exported more than 3.5 million kg of certified chorizo in 2022
• Conducted multi-market promotional campaigns in the UK, Germany, and Japan
• Developed multilingual consumer education platforms on the identity of Spanish chorizo
• Helped increase global awareness of chorizo as a protected and cultural food product

The Consorcio del Chorizo Español continues to champion the authenticity, quality, and heritage of Spanish chorizo on the international stage. Through strategic certifications, advocacy, and market promotion, it plays a vital role in strengthening Spain’s reputation as a leader in premium cured meats.