HUNGRY ECOCITIES : Paths to progress Experiments
+ PROJECT
TRACEARTABILITY and AI: Crafted by Tradition, Enhanced by AI
CAPANNA PROSCIUTTI x Alexandru Damian
SUMMARY
TRACEARTABILITY and AI: Crafted by Tradition, Enhanced by AI bridges the heritage of traditional prosciutto production with cutting-edge artificial intelligence to tackle modern challenges. Artisanal producers like Capanna face rising costs, complex regulations, and intense competition—calling for innovative solutions that preserve their craft while reaching wider audiences. This project aims to boost transparency, sustainability, and market differentiation through AI-driven storytelling and immersive experiences, helping consumers understand the true value of artisanal products.
Over an 8-month residency, the project will document Capanna’s artisanal processes—capturing soundscapes, interviews, and high-definition visuals—to preserve and celebrate their craftsmanship. Scientific analyses, including molecular and sensory studies, will explore the transformative journey of salt, air, and time in curing prosciutto.
By combining AI with artistic expression, the project seeks to elevate Capanna’s brand identity, foster greater consumer appreciation for traditional food systems, and promote mindful eating practices. This initiative embodies a harmonious balance of tradition and innovation, aiming to make a lasting impact on the artisanal food industry.
“We look forward to collaborate with Alexander Damian. His modern artistic approach embraces photography, enthusiasm for food, AI and digital technologies., an interesting way to demonstrate how art and new IT tools and merging tradition and innovation can be integrated.”
Capanna Prosciutti team
+ ARTIST
Alexandru Damian
Romania
Hello, I’m Damian, an artist and innovator from Bucharest, Romania. Over the past two decades, my journey has spanned architecture, photography, culinary arts, and artificial intelligence. Each discipline has contributed to a unique perspective on creativity, innovation, and storytelling.
+ SME
CAPANNA PROSCIUTTI
Traditional Parma ham producer
Parma, ITALY
Capanna Prosciutti is one of the largest ham producers from Parma district and important member of Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma.
The company operates since 1930 and is specialized in curing and maturing Parma Ham, a masterpiece of Italian cured meat tradition, which holds a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), ensuring it is produced within the Parma region in Italy and fresh meat is originated from selected Italian farmers breeding pigs with approved genetics.
The production process is rigorously monitored by the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma before being branded with the Ducal Crown, the certification trademark.
Capanna Prosciutti maintains an artisanal approach while integrating necessary technological advancements and today produces nearly 200,000 prosciuttos annually across two plants, predominantly selling its Prosciutto di Parma in the Italian, EU and extra EU markets.
Capanna Prosciutti also retains certifications for highly protected markets like USA, Canada, Japan, etc. where food safety laws are very restrictive.A member of the family, Giorgia Capanna, was recently nominated Vice President of the Parma Ham Consortium, as a recognition of the tradition and credibility of its company.
The HungryEcoCities project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement 101069990.