‘Enrique Tomás is a family company producing traditional Spanish Jamón and pairing products. Communications Manager Curro Romero Arrechea discussed how the company maintains premium quality, plus its global expansion plans, in conversation with Antonia Cole.
ASa company, Enrique Tomás takes a unique approach to Jamón production, Communications Manager Curro Romero Arrechea said:
“We only select the best Jamón. With our triple quality control process, we first work with our
producers to choose the best meats from each season. Then, when the product arrives at our facility, we assess the quality again. Finally, we check the product just before it is sent to consumers, guaranteeing the best for our customers.”
Established in 1987, Enrique Tomás was built to showcase Jamón within both Spanish and worldwide markets. The company’s founder, Enrique Tomás, originally worked at his parents’ market stall before taking this knowledge and applying it to his own stall. Before long, he began expanding throughout Barcelona and now, the company has more than 100 stores worldwide.
Built upon values of tradition, quality and gratitude, the com-
pany combines classic techniques with modern technology to create a premium product.
Enrique Tomás strives to put high-quality Jamón on the tables of consumers all around the world, introducing different cultures to the flavours of Spain.
“Our founder’s mission is to give Jamón a name, one that people recognise,” added Mr Romero Arrechea. “For us, a sale does not end when the customer pays, but when the customer returns. This has enabled us to build a strong customer base, strengthening our brand within the global market. We are a family company and maintain those values operating on an international scale.”
Premium products
Enrique Tomás offers a broad selection of premium Jamón products. Each one is specially crafted to deliver a unique flavour profile and is delivered either cut or whole, according to the customer’s needs. This versatile ingredient can be enjoyed, not only on its own (which, according to Mr Romero Arrechea and Jamón specialists, is the best way) but also in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches and tacos to soups and salads, meaning there is a Jamón product to suit everyone.
One of the company’s most popular products is Jamón de Bellota 100% Iberian
breed. The pig is fed a natural acorn-based diet and is raised following strict standards to deliver a juicy and flavourful Jamón. Coming fully from Iberian hogs, this product offers high-quality taste and texture.
“Another best seller is our Jamón de Cebo De Campo 50% Iberian Breed,” explained Mr Romero Arrechea. “This product has the best quality-price balance, making it really important to us. The Jamón comes from pigs that are first raised on farms with feed and cereals, before they go to fields to enjoy plants and wild fruits. Then, the pigs return to the farm again and are given enriched
feed. Using these different feeding techniques gives the meat a dynamic richness, enhancing the flavour and aroma of the Jamón.”
The company’s Jamón Gran Reserva is made from white pigs and offers a flavour enjoyed by many. Although the curing process takes 15 months, Enrique Tomás adds an extra three months to further improve the product. Additionally, the company has a range of wines, cheeses and oils to accompany its Jamón. These are crafted to reflect the culture of Spain and pair well with the Jamón.
“In our production, we take care to maintain the tradition of our craft, whilst also incorporating new technologies to optimise processes,” continued Mr Romero Arrechea. “We are always investigating automation innovations and evolving our techniques so that we can grow the company and take Jamón around the world.”
Global growth
The company is looking to lower its carbon footprint by using efficient equipment and renewable energy sources, as well as recyclable packaging solutions. However, Enrique Tomás’ Jamón production has always been sustainable due to the way the meat is farmed. The farms are in protected environments and the pigs’ feed nourishes the landscape, which it has done for centuries.
“As well as preserving the environment, the quality of life of the animal is very important to us,” commented Mr Romero Arrechea. “We make sure all animals are well looked after throughout their lives, with the ability to roam and eat freely. The whole process is very humane and caring to the animals. We only work with farmers who share the same appreciation for animal welfare and high-quality Jamón.”
This commitment to quality extends into Enrique Tomás’ partnerships with distributors worldwide. It is important to the company that its distributors understand the different types of Jamón and their flavours so that the product can be effectively introduced to new markets.
Enrique Tomás selects specialised international distributors to present its products and is already operating in 11 countries. The company now has four stores in Shenzhen airport, China, and is in the process of opening a new store in Chile. Moving forward, Enrique Tomás hopes
to increase global reach through physical store expansion and investments into e-commerce.
“We have recently re-entered the British market, which is really exciting,” added Mr Romero Arrechea. “British people love Jamón and Spanish products, so it has been important for us to reach the UK. There have been many new rules and regulations for us to navigate, but we are proud to announce that Jamón is back in the UK. Residents can order products online and receive them within the next 24 to 48 hours. We expect the UK market to be our second largest, after Spain.”
Connective collaborations
Enrique Tomás’ partnerships have allowed the company to drive worldwide growth. As sponsors of the Spanish National Football
Spanish culture whilst introducing more people to Jamón. In football, only the very best players are selected for the team, which reflects how the company only chooses the best meats from suppliers.
“Partnerships and collaborations really help people to understand what our company’s about,” said Mr Romero Arrechea. “This year, we went to the Olympic games with the Spanish Olympic committee. It was great to support the team and show that we are a proud Spanish company with authentic products. We connect with our consumers through the sports, music and tourism sectors, showing our Jamón to the world.”
Within these partnerships, Enrique Tomás values trust, honesty and confidence. The company makes sure all suppliers adhere to strict quality standards, which then creates
a better final product. Having a reliable supply chain has driven Enrique Tomás’ growth and international expansion.
“We are trying to bring Jamón up to the place in the market that it deserves,” continued Mr Romero Arrechea, in conclusion.
“Enrique Tomás is here to give Jamón a name all over the world. We want people to see Jamón and think of us. It’s really rewarding to be working with such an excellent team towards achieving this goal.
“We are all very proud of Jamón and its place in Spanish culture. We look forward to sharing this with the rest of the world.” n
