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Cooked ham

Cooked ham is a type of processed meat that has been cooked, cured, or smoked. It is usually made from the leg of a pig, and it can be sliced and served cold, or it can be heated and served as a hot dish. Cooked ham is a popular meat product and is often used in sandwiches, salads, and as breakfast meat.

The market scope for cooked ham is quite significant, with growing demand from consumers who are looking for convenient and easy-to-prepare food products. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the global cooked ham market was valued at USD 29.3 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 36.7 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period.

The market growth can be attributed to factors such as increasing demand for ready-to-eat products, rising disposable incomes, and changing food habits of consumers. Additionally, the growth of the food service industry, particularly the fast food and quick-service restaurant (QSR) segment, is also driving the demand for cooked ham products.

The market is also segmented by product type, which includes bone-in ham, boneless ham, and others. The boneless ham segment is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period due to its ease of preparation and convenience for consumers.

Geographically, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth in the cooked ham market, owing to the increasing adoption of Western food habits and the growth of the food service industry in the region.

The major players in the Market for cooked ham are as follows:

1. Tyson Foods

2. JBS SA

3. WH Group

4. Hormel Foods Corporation,

5. OSI Group LLC

6. Nestle SA, and

7. Smithfield Foods Inc.

The production process of cooked ham usually involves the following steps:

1. Selection of meat: The meat used in making cooked ham is typically taken from the hind leg of a pig. The meat should be of good quality and free from any defects.

2. Curing: The meat is cured with a mixture of salt, sugar, and other seasonings, which may include spices, herbs, and flavourings. The curing process can take several days to several weeks, depending on the desired flavour and texture.

3. Cooking: The cured meat is then cooked by various methods, such as smoking, roasting, or boiling. Smoking the meat adds a smoky flavour and preserves it, while roasting or boiling can add moisture and tenderness.

4. Cooling: The cooked ham is then cooled down and can be sliced into smaller portions.

5. Packaging: The cooked ham may be packaged in various forms, including whole hams or sliced portions, and sold to retailers or consumers.