Is this new luxury Woolworths item worth the steep price?

Many of us enjoy the finer things in life—whether it's a delicious morsel of cheese, a good bottle of chardonnay or a slice of top-quality ham. But when does the cost of luxury become too extravagant? A new, controversial addition to Woolworths' shelves has some shoppers wondering whether they could justify splurging so much on a food item.

Introducing Charcuteria NOEL's Round Platter Bellota Ham, an upscale and pricey product from Spain that some would argue is a delicacy. In contrast, others can't quite wrap their heads around the astonishing $45 price tag for a mere 85g packet. To put it into perspective, this works out at a jaw-dropping $529 per kilo.




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Customers at Woolworths are divided due to the steep price of a new luxury food item. Source: Calum Robertson


The secret behind the high price lies in the origin of this Spanish-cured ham, otherwise known as jamón. Made exclusively from Iberian black-skinned pigs, these privileged pigs are fed a diet mostly consisting of acorns, which gives the meat its celebrated and unique flavour.

In defence of the luxurious ham, a Woolworths spokeswoman explained that Iberico ham is a rare and highly sought-after product hailing from Spain. It is only available for a limited time in 40 NSW and 40 Victorian Woolworths supermarkets, and it provides a unique dining experience that appeals to a niche market.



Enthusiasts of extraordinary cuisine may be enticed by the product's lavish packaging description, which states: 'This is the only way we can be confident of our hams, which we subsequently cure for 36 months. Patiently and without haste, just as we have been doing for the last 75 years, each ham has been perfectly cured to obtain its best flavour, aroma and texture. All this to achieve a ham that can be enjoyed with all five senses, capable of turning every occasion into a special moment. A perfect gift and an exceptional dining experience, ideal for sharing with those you love.'

However, not everyone is convinced. Social media users were left divided on the price of this luxury ham, with some stating they'd 'never' spend so much on a food item, while others maintain that the cost is justified given the quality and exclusivity of the product.

One appreciative fan wrote, 'It's Jamon Iberico ham... it’s considered the most expensive ham in the world. I've bought it before, not from Woolworths, though. It's well worth a taste [and is] not something you buy all the time.'



Pairing Ibérico Ham to Maximise Flavour​

Ibérico ham has been considered a delicacy since medieval times, and its bold flavour means it can be easily integrated into various dishes to add a unique flavour. Here are some tips for pairing Ibérico ham to maximise its flavour potential.

The subtle and complex flavours of Ibérico ham are best highlighted when paired with simple foods. Fresh accompaniments like creamy cheeses and juicy fruits can enhance the nuanced flavour of the ham.

The salty cured meat can even stand up to the sweet flavour of honey or a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar. Additionally, traditional Spanish recipes like paella that introduce bolder flavours can also create a beautiful balance with Ibérico ham.



Think outside of the box when pairing Ibérico ham with drinks! A dry white or sparkling wine pairs perfectly with cured meats, providing a crisp and refreshing contrast. Alternatively, red wines like Tempranillo or a full-bodied Rioja will create more depth and provide a smooth finish to the meat’s saltiness. Beers like IPAs or citrusy pale ales can also cut through the deepest flavours, showcasing the fantastic complexity of Ibérico ham.

The possibilities with pairing Ibérico ham are endless. Charluteria NOEL’s Round Platter Bellota Ham is rated on breed purity, its feed and ageing length of up to 5 years, making it a perfect product for pairing with other dishes and drinks.

Key Takeaways
  • Woolworths is now offering Charcuteria NOEL'S Round Platter Bellota Ham, one of the most expensive meats in the world, at select locations.
  • The Spanish-cured ham, created from Iberian black-skinned pigs, costs $45 per 85g packet, or $529 per kilo.
  • Woolworths shoppers are divided over the hefty price, with some saying it is justified due to the quality of the product, while others find it too expensive.
  • A Woolworths spokeswoman said the product is available for a limited time, and they offer a range of other cured meats to cater for different budgets.


So, members, what do you think? Would you break the bank to try a slice of jamón, the Kobe steak of the pork world? Or would you save your hard-earned dollars for more modestly-priced but equally delicious grocery items?

After all, we've learned to appreciate value, and perhaps the simpler things in life are just as precious and indulgent as this exclusive ham. But, of course, that's for you to decide!
 
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If I was on my way out of this life, I'd like to try everything I wasn't able to afford previously 😁
 
Many of us enjoy the finer things in life—whether it's a delicious morsel of cheese, a good bottle of chardonnay or a slice of top-quality ham. But when does the cost of luxury become too extravagant? A new, controversial addition to Woolworths' shelves has some shoppers wondering whether they could justify splurging so much on a food item.

Introducing Charcuteria NOEL's Round Platter Bellota Ham, an upscale and pricey product from Spain that some would argue is a delicacy. In contrast, others can't quite wrap their heads around the astonishing $45 price tag for a mere 85g packet. To put it into perspective, this works out at a jaw-dropping $529 per kilo.




View attachment 21223
Customers at Woolworths are divided due to the steep price of a new luxury food item. Source: Calum Robertson


The secret behind the high price lies in the origin of this Spanish-cured ham, otherwise known as jamón. Made exclusively from Iberian black-skinned pigs, these privileged pigs are fed a diet mostly consisting of acorns, which gives the meat its celebrated and unique flavour.

In defence of the luxurious ham, a Woolworths spokeswoman explained that Iberico ham is a rare and highly sought-after product hailing from Spain. It is only available for a limited time in 40 NSW and 40 Victorian Woolworths supermarkets, and it provides a unique dining experience that appeals to a niche market.



Enthusiasts of extraordinary cuisine may be enticed by the product's lavish packaging description, which states: 'This is the only way we can be confident of our hams, which we subsequently cure for 36 months. Patiently and without haste, just as we have been doing for the last 75 years, each ham has been perfectly cured to obtain its best flavour, aroma and texture. All this to achieve a ham that can be enjoyed with all five senses, capable of turning every occasion into a special moment. A perfect gift and an exceptional dining experience, ideal for sharing with those you love.'

However, not everyone is convinced. Social media users were left divided on the price of this luxury ham, with some stating they'd 'never' spend so much on a food item, while others maintain that the cost is justified given the quality and exclusivity of the product.

One appreciative fan wrote, 'It's Jamon Iberico ham... it’s considered the most expensive ham in the world. I've bought it before, not from Woolworths, though. It's well worth a taste [and is] not something you buy all the time.'



Pairing Ibérico Ham to Maximise Flavour​

Ibérico ham has been considered a delicacy since medieval times, and its bold flavour means it can be easily integrated into various dishes to add a unique flavour. Here are some tips for pairing Ibérico ham to maximise its flavour potential.

The subtle and complex flavours of Ibérico ham are best highlighted when paired with simple foods. Fresh accompaniments like creamy cheeses and juicy fruits can enhance the nuanced flavour of the ham.

The salty cured meat can even stand up to the sweet flavour of honey or a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar. Additionally, traditional Spanish recipes like paella that introduce bolder flavours can also create a beautiful balance with Ibérico ham.



Think outside of the box when pairing Ibérico ham with drinks! A dry white or sparkling wine pairs perfectly with cured meats, providing a crisp and refreshing contrast. Alternatively, red wines like Tempranillo or a full-bodied Rioja will create more depth and provide a smooth finish to the meat’s saltiness. Beers like IPAs or citrusy pale ales can also cut through the deepest flavours, showcasing the fantastic complexity of Ibérico ham.

The possibilities with pairing Ibérico ham are endless. Charluteria NOEL’s Round Platter Bellota Ham is rated on breed purity, its feed and ageing length of up to 5 years, making it a perfect product for pairing with other dishes and drinks.

Key Takeaways

  • Woolworths is now offering Charcuteria NOEL'S Round Platter Bellota Ham, one of the most expensive meats in the world, at select locations.
  • The Spanish-cured ham, created from Iberian black-skinned pigs, costs $45 per 85g packet, or $529 per kilo.
  • Woolworths shoppers are divided over the hefty price, with some saying it is justified due to the quality of the product, while others find it too expensive.
  • A Woolworths spokeswoman said the product is available for a limited time, and they offer a range of other cured meats to cater for different budgets.


So, members, what do you think? Would you break the bank to try a slice of jamón, the Kobe steak of the pork world? Or would you save your hard-earned dollars for more modestly-priced but equally delicious grocery items?

After all, we've learned to appreciate value, and perhaps the simpler things in life are just as precious and indulgent as this exclusive ham. But, of course, that's for you to decide!
The fact that Woolworths has added this to there food items - shows how little they actually care about there everday Customers! I actually had to laugh for a moment at how ridiculous they are becoming, the competition with Coles has gone to there heads! (ego driven), but it is the shoppers that are struggling to still make ends meet and to put food on the table - hello there somewhere Woollies - this is what it is all about - your struggling customers!
The fact that Woolworths has added this to there food items - shows how little they actually care about there everday Customers! I actually had to laugh for a moment at how ridiculous they are becoming, the competition with Coles has gone to there heads! (ego driven), but it is the shoppers that are struggling to still make ends meet and to put food on the table - hello there somewhere Woollies - this is what it is all about - your struggling customers!
They’d have to pay me to buy it. No way would I pay that price for that kind of stuff as I don’t even like hamon.
 
Amazing world in which we live in. Many people are struggling to eat healthy and at affordable prices, so we decide to introduce an item of food which is outlandish in cost. The lowest common denominator in terms of reasons why people shop at Woolworths or Coles is because generally that's where their staples come from. We do not want these stores to be in the game of becoming specialist food outlets. What we want from them is good food at affordable prices. There is enough money to be made in that for them.

Oh, and by the way while I'm on my high horse why have some supermarkets decided to get into the game of providing a coffee shop? Do they now want to put established coffee shops around them out of business. This is not about 'fair game and fair competition for all', it's about how far you want to go to monopolise. I go to these stores to buy good products at good prices, the retailer needs to channel their energies into that as I'm almost certain most other people would feel the same way.
I'm with you Joseph!! I think that this is another example of the world gone crazy!! Purely pretentious rot!! I'm sure there'd be a few idiots out there with more money than sense, but I feel for the poor piggys! I'm a vegetarian anyway ... on moral grounds. It broke my heart one day after driving past a transporter with pigs on it ... hearing their squeals of pain. I could swear that they knew what was happening. Pigs are intelligent beings and for anyone to profit of these poor animals is bad enough, but to make it an issue as a 'fine dining' experience .... is absolutely disgusting!
Let's just put it with those who do their wine 'taste test' when the sommeliers bring a bottle of wine to the table to someone who could barely pronounce the name of it whilst ordering it, but pretended to know exactly what he was checking for after the 'sniff test' first ... whilst checking that it was the correct bouquet, for that time of year, and at that particular vineyard!
I prefer to shop at Aldi anyway, so I won't have to concern myself with Woolworths .... pig! Woolworths don't sell the milk chocolate blocks of chocolate with crunchy salted caramel, but only sell the 'other' brands of chocolate! There was only one food item that I would drive a tad further to purchase from Woolworths, but since Aldi have added a new yoghurt to their dairy, I have no need to go elsewhere now ... so, in the words of Charlie Pickering on the ABC, "Woolworths, 'Your Cancelled'!!" In fact, I'm going to send this in and see if he uses it on his show this week! Go Charlie!!
Unfortunately, I DO know a few people who would purchase it ...! I'd also add, and proud to say, that I've chosen to not longer include them among my circle of friends!
 
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I want to know how much wastage they will have from this 1 item alone? If they don't sell enough of the product and have to buy it in bulk it could be a very bad idea from the buyers.
............ & look at all the packaging for that tiny amount of meat ...! ............ & Iggydi, you can't even take a 'sniff' test to see if it's past its Use By Date!! I can't see any 'lavish packaging' with it. It looks like the white foam packaging they use for everything else. I think that it's purely a marketing gimmick ...! A tad like the Emperors New Clothes if you ask me!!
 
BTW I've just posted the link for this on the ABC iView page, attention Charlie Pickering, so let's hope that we see 'Woolworths, You're Cancelled' on his show this week! :)
 

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