The aim of the round table, promoted by Origin Italia with the protection consortia and the entire supply chain, is to invest in the value of Geographical Indications.
Italy is the sector’s world leader in terms of consumption, production and exports. Yet, the culture of quality still needs to grow. The year 2023 (Ismea data): +20% production, +30% value of extra virgin olive oil
Minister Francesco Lollobrigida: “We want to establish extra virgin olive oil as a world-famous Italian production chain, like wine”.
Giorgio Lazzaretti, Director of the Consortium for the Protection of PDO Riviera Ligure EVO, stressed the need to pursue what has been achieved in the wine industry: linking production to the specific production area. GI oils are the oils of the territory. “The focus on ISMEA sector figures is clear: we are to work on consumer relations and communication.
We need to abandon the route of generic products, extra virgin olive oil or Italian oil, and foster a coordinated strategy with companies, associations, and institutions: the aim is to make olive oil companies aware of the need to produce and market PDO and PGI oils. In addition, a counter-strategy is needed in the trade sector to convey the right message to consumers: no reference to geographical location for national, EU and non-EU oils. A coordinated approach is also needed to combat the effects of climate change on production through dialogue with the institutions and the scientific world on the management of water and phytopathological emergencies, the creation of water reservoirs and the transfer of know-how to olive growers: it is essential to preserve production. We have a collective responsibility to tell the story of the oils of the territories and their economic, social, environmental and cultural importance.
