The delegate for Economic Development, Promotion, and Employment of the provincial institution, Félix Romero, along with the mayor of Villanueva de Córdoba, Isaac Reyes; the territorial delegate for Agriculture of the Junta de Andalucía, Raquel López, and the president of the DOP Los Pedroches, Antonio Jesús Torralbo, detailed the specifics of this event.
Romero highlighted that the fair is "consolidated in the province's fair calendar" and that this edition will feature "three days of tastings open to the public." He added that the Provincial Council, through the Provincial Institute for Economic Development (Iprodeco), is working to transform the recognition of the ham as "the best in the world" into more sales and visitors.
The ham from Los Pedroches is distinguished by being raised in the "largest continuous dehesa in Europe" and by the consumption of acorns, in addition to the "tradition, craftsmanship, technique, elaboration, curing, and experience" of its producers. The DOP guarantees the relationship between product and territory, offering consumer confidence.
The mayor of Villanueva de Córdoba, Isaac Reyes, announced novelties for this edition, such as an 'escape room' titled 'Guardians of the Dehesa' and the formal request to the Junta de Andalucía for the fair to be declared a Festival of Tourist Interest of Andalusia. It will also aim to promote tourism from its position as the first gastro-destination included in the Network of Gastronomic Towns of Spain.
The regional ham tasting competition will now have a provincial character, inviting professionals from across the province. The delegate for Agriculture, Raquel López, recalled that Córdoba leads in Iberian pig production with over 210,000 animals and more than 2,000 farms, and that Villanueva de Córdoba concentrates the largest number of Iberian pig farms in the province.
Antonio Jesús Torralbo, president of the DOP Los Pedroches, emphasized the importance of institutional support and announced a new "more legible and modern" label. As a novelty, the 2026 edition will feature the Ayuntamiento de Cambados as a guest institution, as part of the European campaign 'Al fin juntos' linking the Rías Baixas and Los Pedroches DOPs.
The program includes the XXVI Competition for the Best DOP Los Pedroches 100% Iberian Acorn-Fed Ham on Friday, November 6, as well as recognition for the farmer and the farm. On the same day, the Regional Competition for the Best Ham Cutter will be held, and on Sunday, November 8, the XXVI National Competition for the Best Cutter. The fair will also feature technical workshops, seminars, business exhibitors, the Iberian Pork Market Price Board, tasting areas, local artisans and tourism companies, and guided tours.
