Quality Certification: Spanish Chorizo Consortium Seal
Product Categories
Meat products
Available Products
Sarta
Vela
Sliced Chorizo
Cooking Chorizo
Iberian Chorizo
Stringed Chorizo
Spanish Chorizo Consortium Seal
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
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.
