International sales of pre-sliced Prosciutto di Parma(R) rose 25% in 2006, with the US market showing a 41% sales rise for packaged Parma Ham, a report from the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma, the association of producers in Italy, has revealed.
While the US lead the way, demand rose in Canada, Japan, Belgium, Germany, France and the UK, the association revealed. In Italy, demand for pre-sliced Parma Ham rose 33% during the year.
According to the food association, sales have gained such strong momentum because pre-sliced packaged foods offer a more convenient option.
“The convenience of the packages, both for shoppers and retailers, has led to broader distribution and encouraged consumers to buy our product for everyday use, not just special occasions,” said Stefano Tedeschi, president of the Consorzio.

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