Cati Gómez – Professional cortadora de jamón & ham carver
Internationally active specialist in live ham carving, consultancy and education
within events, hospitality, brand activations and boutique experiences.
Ham carver
The Spanish Cati Gómez is widely recognised as one of the leading ambassadors of Spanish jamón ibérico in the Netherlands. She has helped establish the profession of cortadora de jamón — an ancient Spanish craft — in a market where it was previously largely unknown. For Cati, ham carving is both an art form and a cultural experience.
Since 2013, she has officially held the title Cortadora Profesional de Jamón. Over the years, she has continuously expanded her expertise through specialised training and close collaboration with master carvers in Spain.
Thanks to her professional background and approach, Spanish and Italian producers and importers entrust Cati with representing their brands. With her unique combination of live ham carving and storytelling, she connects gastronomy, culture, and experience on an international level.
Adviser
Over the years, Cati Gómez has built an extensive professional network of Spanish producers and suppliers, with a strong focus on jamón ibérico, serrano, D.O.P. Teruel ham and Italian prosciutto. Thanks to this network and her regular quality assessments, she works as an independent professional advisor for businesses working with Spanish products — from importers and hospitality companies to institutions and catering services.
For Cati, independent advice means one thing: always serving the client’s best interest. She provides tailored guidance on product selection, storage, carving techniques, processing and how to integrate products profitably into business concepts and event formats.
Born in Spain and based in the Netherlands, she naturally acts as a bridge between cultures. She helps companies overcome language and cultural barriers, bringing authenticity and professional knowledge together in one integrated advisory approach.
“After thirteen years as an entrepreneur, I am proud to have remained commercially independent and free from external interests. This independence allows me to offer companies honest and transparent advice.”
Educator and trainer
After all, Cati's pioneering spirit also resulted in the founding of the The Ham Academy
This is where all the expertise in the field of Spanish ham and the desire to transfer this knowledge to others come together.
Do you have a catering school or catering company and would you like to teach your students or staff all the ins and outs about the theory and practice of the production and processing of Spanish ham? Then the Ham Academy an excellent choice for you.
The Ham Academy is independent (so not 'brand-related), flexible (you determine the location) and 'up to date' (ensures you of the latest regulations and legislation in the field of production, conservation and presentation).
I am Cati Gómez, a professional cortadora de jamón with more than 13 years of experience working with Iberian ham and high-quality live food experiences.
From the Netherlands, I work internationally for events, brands, training courses and hospitality concepts where quality, craftsmanship and cultural authenticity are central.
As an independent consultant and cultural connector, I work with brands, producers and organizations in various countries.
My love and knowledge of ham started in my childhood, on my grandparents' farm in Huelva, Andalusia, where we raised Iberian pigs and grew hams according to ancient traditions. I grew up surrounded by these tastes and smells, and many of the hams we cured on the farm helped finance my high school and college education.
For me, Jamón (ham) is much more than a gastronomic jewel; it represents my culture, my roots, my history and brings back happy and unforgettable childhood memories.
In addition to wanting to share my love for ham and everything it entails, I thought it was important to learn everything about ham and the different cutting techniques. So in 2013, I traveled to Spain to become a Cortador (a) Profesional de Jamón (professional ham cutter) and also took courses on events and strategies, after which I obtained both certificates.
Over the years I have grown in mastery and technique by taking various courses from Spanish maestros cortador (es), master carvers.
Over the past ten years I have expanded my expertise by attending courses, masterclasses and ham conferences, and by collaborating with various companies in different European countries. In addition, I have followed courses with other professionals involved in sensory analysis of ham and specialized courses in wine and sherry.
My education, knowledge, and experience enable me to provide a high-quality service and share my passion with anyone who wants to discover the wonderful world of Spanish ham in the Netherlands and beyond.
I love sharing my knowledge with other people. Transferring knowledge like a master does. Yet, I don't see myself as a “Maestra Cortadora” or master carver, but rather as an enthusiastic student who continues to develop.
Many people work together passionately and expertly to create jamón: farmers, veterinarians, scientists, producers, jamoneros maestros, cortadores, chefs, importers, and gastronomy enthusiasts. Together, they ensure that this special product finds its way to tables around the world.
Behind every jamón are people who make this product possible.
Jamón needs all of us.
About Kati
I am a passionate businesswoman in the Netherlands of Spanish descent, with over twelve years of experience in the fascinating world of Spanish Jamón, Spanish ham in general and Ibérico ham in particular.
Love moved me to the Netherlands. Since then, I've actively shared Spanish gastronomy, landscapes, and products with those around me—from personal conversations to professional encounters—and I serve as a bridge between cultures and worlds.
International promotion of Spain at trade fairs and activities
My love for ham is just the beginning of my dedication to all things Spanish. Over the years I have had the privilege of working on various activities promoting Spain “with and without ham” and I have had the opportunity to represent Spain and meet many great people.
If you are an institution, a Spanish region or a brand interested in promotion in the Benelux and other countries, I am here to help you bring your message and your products to an international audience!
In this video, I take you back to where it all began.
My roots in Spain, the landscapes of Huelva and the traditions I grew up with form the foundation of my connection to Spanish jamón.
You will also see my journey to the Netherlands — the country where I have lived since 2001 — and how these two worlds come together in my work today. From childhood memories to everyday life abroad: always in motion, always connected to my craft.
This video is a personal tribute to my family and heritage, but also a reflection of my entrepreneurial path and my passion for craftsmanship and authenticity.
For me, jamón is more than gastronomy. It is a flavour that tells stories — about origin, time and people.
With this story, I share a piece of home.
From the heart. Honest. Timeless.
“I wish you the taste and the experience that I was able to experience as a child”