HAMTRACE is a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchanges project that introduces a breakthrough, science-based approach to protecting the authenticity, quality, and global reputation of Europe’s premium dry-cured ham (DCH) products. Combining cutting-edge analytical chemistry, advanced digital technologies, blockchain, AI-driven traceability systems, and smart tagging solutions, HAMTRACE ensures that Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) hams are safeguarded from fraud, mislabelling, and counterfeiting across the entire value chain.
The project responds directly to rising authenticity challenges—such as the 8–12% estimated fraud rate in high-value ham markets—and to increasing regulatory and consumer demands for transparent, verifiable, and tamper-proof traceability systems. HAMTRACE integrates multi-element isotope analysis (MIA), isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS), hyperspectral imaging (HIS), XANES/XR synchrotron techniques, and blockchain-secured traceability, creating Europe’s first comprehensive, scientifically validated, and industry-ready traceability framework for premium ham.
O1: Establish a traceability and authenticity baseline for the DCH sector across major producing countries.
O2: Develop advanced chemical and isotopic fingerprinting techniques (MIA, IDMS, HIS, XANES) achieving >90% accuracy in PDO/PGI discrimination.
O3: Build a decentralized blockchain traceability system piloted with DCH producers.
O4: Design and deploy a minimum of 100 smart tags (QR-based and tamper-proof).
O5: Validate all technologies to TRL 6 through real-world pilots at 3 production sites.
O6: Standardize data formats and ensure interoperability of blockchain and analytical systems.
O7–O13: Strengthen R&I cooperation, enhance knowledge transfer, upscale the skills of researchers, engage civil society through ham-tasting events, deliver training to 100+ stakeholders, and reach 1,000+ beneficiaries via communication and dissemination.
Growing counterfeit products diluting market value
Fragmented traceability systems lacking scientific verification
Increasing regulatory pressure for transparency
Demand for real-time authenticity validation
HAMTRACE addresses these challenges through a multi-layered traceability approach, merging chemistry, spectroscopy, AI, blockchain, and smart packaging technologies. The system ensures:
Verified geographic origin
Authentication of curing periods
Tamper-proof tracking from farm to consumer
Compliance with EU quality schemes (PDO, PGI)
Enhanced competitiveness for small and large producers
The project is fully aligned with the EU Green Deal, the Farm-to-Fork Strategy, EU AI Act, and digital transformation priorities for Europe’s agri-food sector.
UAB – Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Coordinator)
UDG – Universitat de Girona
UNIROMA1 – Sapienza Università di Roma
ALBA Synchrotron
CETI – Centro de Technologia e Investigação
ADERA – Association for the Development of Applied Research
EFB – Europe for Business Ltd. (UK)
DNET Labs
ASICI – Iberian Pig Interprofessional Association
FOODHUB
This multidisciplinary consortium covers analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, AI, blockchain engineering, food traceability, regulatory compliance, communication, and market adoption.
Lead WP5 – Dissemination, Communication & Networking
Develop the complete communication, dissemination, and visibility plan.
Produce multimedia promotional materials and manage online presence.
Coordinate stakeholder outreach, industry engagement, and policy visibility.
Organize workshops, events, and knowledge-sharing activities.
Ensure all results reach producers, regulators, civil society, and end-consumers.
Track KPIs and impact metrics across all communication channels.
Support exploitation strategy and market transfer pathways.
Provide socio-economic analysis linked to consumer behavior and food authenticity.
Ensure accessible communication aligned with EU open science and ethical standards.
EFB acts as the bridge between science, industry, and society, ensuring HAMTRACE technologies are widely understood, adopted, and supported.
Programme: Horizon Europe – MSCA Staff Exchanges
Project Acronym: HAMTRACE
Proposal ID: 101236645
Total EU Budget:
Duration: 48 months
Start Date: January 2026
End Date: December 2029
HAMTRACE strengthens Europe’s leadership in food traceability and authenticity through:
A robust, science-based verification framework
Integrated digital solutions supporting transparency and trust
Increased competitiveness for PDO/PGI producers
Enhanced consumer protection and market integrity
Stronger research-industry cooperation and technological innovation
Long-term capacity building through MSCA mobility and interdisciplinary training
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