From Austria to Japan and from Brazil to the USA, buyers from all corners of the globe descended on the seventh edition of Olio Capitale, an exhibition of typical and quality extra virgin olive oils, a key component of the Mediterranean diet. Organised by Aries in Trieste, Italy, this increasingly international event – which concluded recently – witnessed a footfall of 10,500 visitors.
The event's city-centre location and the decision to focus attention on the theme of the Mediterranean diet ensured the attendance of people from all walks of life, all with attention firmly set on product quality, aware of the culture that comes with food and seeking that something extra that can turn even a simple salad into a unique dish.
“This is Olio Capitale, a trade fair where buyers from the world over come to meet and deal directly with producers, to export extra virgin olive oil at the global level. It is also a celebration of olive oil at the very highest levels," explained Antonio Paoletti, president of the Trieste Chamber of Commerce. He added, "It has been a record event this year, ever more international, one that has brought great knock-on benefit to the city.”
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Debora Seracchiani, MEP involved in transport and tourism, said, “I have kept an eye on this wonderful initiative from the European Observatory. Olio Capitale is certainly in line with the new European guidelines recognising natural produce and products of excellence as a top choice for investment for European tourism."
And the success of the Cookery School, organised in collaboration with the Federazione Nazionale Cuochi (National Federation of Chefs), exceeded all expectations. Emilio Cuk, the head of the federation and the director of the Cookery School, noted, “Over 3,000 people took part in the cookery lessons given by local chefs, with an average of 100 participants per session and around 300 chefs in the kitchen. A huge satisfaction.”
In addition, there was a busy calendar of business meetings aimed at bringing together demand and offer. Exhibitors were put in touch with a selection of buyers from target markets, both in Europe and from further afield.
Quite apart from individual outcomes, there was great satisfaction in the wide variety of oils and products presented by the 231 businesses exhibiting at the expo, clear demonstration that the strength of Italian producers lies in the diversity and uniqueness of their products.
And this event is indeed invaluable in bringing together under one roof many small and large businesses, plus an extensive range of offered products.
Concorso Olio Capitale winners
One of the highlight of the final day was the announcement of the Concorso Olio Capitale winners. Tuscany took this year's crown with a total of six out of the 15 finalists, but it was Puglia that actually went away with most of the winnings, taking four of the seven prizes assigned.
In addition to Puglia and Tuscany, awards also went to Sardinia and Sicily, with one winning oil each. Italy, the home country of extra virgin olive oil, was the acclaimed top nation for quality at this year's expo.
In fact, 20 per cent of the oils were from abroad, in particular from Spain, Portugal, Greece and Israel.
The oils were judged in pre-selection phase by a professional panel, and during the expo by three other panels (comprising professional tasters, chefs and restaurateurs and the ordinary consumer, representing all categories of potential extra virgin olive oil consumers).
Soc Coop Agr Olivicoltori Valle Cedrino [Orosei (NU)], Dop Sardinia; Az Agr Il Colle Di Paoletti Flavia [Bagno a Ripoli (FU)], Verde del Colle, and Az Agr Salvatore Stallone [Giovanazzo (BA)], Le Tre Colonne were the winners in the light flavour, medium flavour and strong flavour category respectively.
Other nominees in the light intensity category included Az Agr Ca'rainene (Trefort), Torri del Benaco (VR); Fattoria Altomena (Maiuscolo and Legno d'Olivo), both Pelago (FI), and Az Agr Il Frantoio Di Vicopisano (Igp Tuscany), Vicopisano (PI).
In the medium intensity category, Az Agr Alfredo Cetrone, Sonnino (LT); Franci (Igp Toscano), Montenero d'Orcia (GR); Az Agr Decimi (Emozione), Bettona (PG), and Almazaras De La Subbetica (Rincon de la Subbetica), Cordoba (Spain), were also nominated.
Also nominated in the strong intensity category were Az Agr Querci Fattori Monti (Razzo), Ghizzano (PI); Az Agr De Carlo (Tenuta Torre di Mossa), Bitritto (BA); Az Agr Cinque Colli [Chiaramonte Gulfi (RG)], Cinque Colli, and Az Agr Vincenzo Marvulli (Cenzino), Matera.
Az Agr Salvatore Stallone [Giovanazzo (BA)], Le Tre Colonne earned honourable mentions from the people's panel and the tasters' panel, in addition to the Ex Albis Ulivis Mention. Az Agr Cinque Colli [Chiaramonte Gulfi (RG)], Cinque Colli, got a nod from the restaurateurs' panel.
