With 6,720 visitors, 150 exhibiting companies, 700 meetings held at the fair between companies and 50 international buyers from 16 strategic countries (+127% compared to 2025), 20 associations/organizations/institutions and over 100 conferences, talks and events, the 2026 edition confirms EVOLIO Expo as the leading B2B platform for the supply chain.
A product that is good for the country's economy and the health of its citizens, as well as being a quality food with unique organoleptic properties. It was with these messages that the second edition of EVOLIO Expo, the leading B2B trade fair dedicated to extra virgin olive oil and the olive oil supply chain, held in Bari at the Fiera del Levante from January 29 to 31, came to a successful conclusion. With 6,720 visitors, 150 exhibiting companies, 700 meetings organized with around 50 international buyers from 16 strategic countries, 20 associations/organizations/institutions, and over 100 conferences, talks, and events, the exhibition confirmed its status as a strategic platform for promoting the entire sector.
The truly significant data concerns, on the one hand, the 127% increase (50 compared to 22 in 2025) in international buyers hosted for match-making activities with exhibitors present at the fair and an equally significant increase in spontaneous international attendance; on the other hand, a general increase of 57% in qualified professionals who visited the fair with the aim of expanding their business opportunities and commercial network.
The numerous networking opportunities, the drive towards internationalization, the focus on topics such as innovation, olive oil tourism, health, the importance of scientific research, the support of institutions and trade associations, together with the presence of renowned chefs, have created a unique event, capable of concretely promoting our extra virgin olive oil around the world.
Organized by Senaf on behalf of Nuova Fiera del Levante, with the patronage of MASAF and the support of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Economic Development of the Puglia Region, Pugliapromozione, and the National Association of Oil Cities, the event featured a series of important moments for the future of EVO oil. The inaugural event saw the active participation of institutional representatives, including Patrizio Giacomo La Pietra, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Paolicelli, Councilor for Agriculture of the Puglia Region, and Pietro Petruzzelli, Councilor for Local Development, Tourism and Territorial Marketing of the Municipality of Bari. The visit of the President of the Puglia Region, Antonio Decaro, also confirmed the institutions' focus on an event that is strategic for the promotion of the supply chain and the territory. EVOLIO Expo confirms its status as a national and international event, designed to represent the entire EVO oil supply chain and speak to a wide market of operators and buyers. This is evidenced by the presence of the Basilicata Region, with a collective that brought together some of the best producers, and the participation of numerous companies from outside Puglia, from regions such as Tuscany, Lazio, Abruzzo, and Sicily, which chose EVOLIO Expo as their trade fair of choice to meet industry professionals and showcase their excellence.
One of the key themes of EVOLIO Expo 2026 was internationalization: in addition to the B2B meeting agenda, the fair hosted the “EVOLIO & Export Forum,” organized by IEF – Italian Export Forum, dedicated to opportunities in foreign markets and the role of regions in international trade. There was also a significant increase in professional attendance compared to the first edition in 2025, particularly on Thursday and Friday, which were specifically dedicated to Italian and foreign buyers from the Ho.Re.Ca., large-scale distribution, and retail sectors.
There was also space for countless talks and discussions, which shifted the focus to the themes of innovation with “Oil is Innovation” and the promotion of the territories with “Oil is Tourism - Oil Experience” and “Oil is Experiences - Oil Tourism in Puglia.” In this context, there was also a focus on health and prevention, thanks to “EVO HEALTH” and “Oil is Health,” along with insights into the nutraceutical power of extra virgin olive oil.
Alongside the conferences, the fair promoted education and culture surrounding olive oil with tastings, masterclasses, and workshops (also with the contribution of AIS Puglia – Italian Sommelier Association and FIS – Italian Sommelier Foundation Puglia), as well as show cooking and awards such as “Ercole Olivario – Puglia Selection.” Also noteworthy was the olive biodiversity program curated by AMAP, the dialogue with chefs and restaurateurs on the Ho.Re.Ca. channel in collaboration with AIRO – Associazione Internazionale Ristoranti dell'Olio (International Association of Oil Restaurants) and APCI, Associazione Professionale Cuochi Italiani (Professional Association of Italian Chefs), and talks on the opportunities offered by PR Puglia FESR-FSE+ 2021–2027 in terms of skills, culture, and supply chain development.
“We are satisfied with this second edition. The sharing we have experienced over these days is a source of great pride for us and confirms that we are on the right track,” said Gaetano Frulli, President of Nuova Fiera del Levante. "This year, together with the Region, we have built a broad and concrete partnership, which has led to the participation of three departments: Agriculture, Tourism, and Economic Development. This is a significant involvement, which should grow further, as indicated by Undersecretary La Pietra, who assured us that the Ministry of Agriculture will also be present next year. During one of the more than 100 conferences, I also extended an invitation to Undersecretary Gemmato, so that the Ministry of Health can also be part of this journey. Together with the entire organization of this important event, we must continue to promote our territory and recognize the role that extra virgin olive oil deserves. To achieve this goal, we must continue exactly as we are doing: with a concerted effort that unites institutions, producers, and communities."
“We are very satisfied with the results achieved by the second edition of EVOLIO Expo, not only because of the large turnout, but above all because the event was able to accurately portray the world of EVO oil, offering concrete tools and valuable content for companies and operators,” said Ivo Nardella, President of Gruppo Tecniche Nuove and Senaf. "The more than 700 meetings with approximately 50 buyers, double the number compared to the last edition, are an example of this: an opportunity that has allowed companies to bring our excellence to the international markets that matter. EVOLIO Expo also shone a spotlight on the issues that are redefining the sector: a product that supports the country's economy and is essential for health, thanks to the nutraceutical value of high-quality EVO. This is a heritage that Italy also expresses through the extraordinary biodiversity of its PDO and PGI products: this is why we have a duty to transform this wealth into concrete value."
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