The first edition of EVOLIO Expo, the international B2B trade fair dedicated to extra virgin olive oil, concluded with positive results, exceeding the expectations of the organizers. With 6,482 visitors, 161 exhibiting companies, 22 buyers from key markets for Italy—including the USA, Australia, Tunisia, and Germany—20 associations/institutions, and over 100 events, including conferences, workshops, and tasting panels, the event proved to be a strategic platform for promoting the entire olive oil sector, fostering business, innovation, culture, and scientific research in one place.
The event, organized by Nuova Fiera del Levante and Senaf, with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Rural and Environmental Development of the Apulia Region, Pugliapromozione, the National Association of Olive Oil Cities, and under the patronage of MASAF, highlighted the challenges and opportunities of the olive oil industry. It encouraged dialogue between institutions, producers, and international buyers, contributing to strengthening the value of extra virgin olive oil as a flagship product of Made in Italy.
“The positive outcome of the fair demonstrates how much the sector needs opportunities for discussion and growth, emphasizing the importance of investing in quality, sustainability, and territorial enhancement,” stated Ivo Nardella, President of the Tecniche Nuove Group and Senaf. “Extra virgin olive oil is not just a food product; it is a symbol of our culture, our land, and our identity. EVOLIO Expo has given voice to this narrative, offering insights and concrete tools to face the future with awareness and determination.”
The event featured significant moments for the future of EVO oil, starting with the opening ceremony attended by national and local political representatives, including Patrizio La Pietra, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests; Donato Pentassuglia, Regional Minister for Agriculture, Water Resources, Water Protection, and the Apulia Water Authority; and Vito Leccese, Mayor of Bari.
Among the many topics discussed, the crucial role of exports emerged as a key development opportunity for companies in the sector. In the first ten months of 2024, exports reached €2.62 billion, marking a +50% increase in value and +6% in volume (ISMEA data). EVOLIO Expo, with its international buyers, represented a unique opportunity to strengthen the presence of Made in Italy products in foreign markets.
However, the event was not only a market-focused discussion but also an opportunity to explore topics such as olive oil tourism, the relationship between olive oil and health, the cultural and touristic identity of production areas, environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and the promotion of high-quality productions such as PDO, PGI, and monovarietal oils.
Additionally, EVOLIO Expo served as a stage for important announcements, including the Apulia Region‘s announcement of the first calls for the CSR Puglia 2023/2027 program, aimed at supporting the olive oil sector with investments in new tree plantations and production enhancement. On the tourism front, the Regional Tourism Department/Pugliapromozione and the National Association of Olive Oil Cities promoted the integration of olive oil tourism with territorial development, highlighting the growing role of EVO oil as a central element of Italy’s food and wine offering.
The event attracted not only industry professionals but also experts such as CNR senior researcher Mario Tozzi and scientist Stefano Mancuso, who addressed topics related to biodiversity, technological innovation, and sustainable development.
“Thanks to the commitment of the entire organization, with its expertise and operational contribution, this event, in its first edition, has garnered significant attention towards extra virgin olive oil, which represents an excellence of our territory,” stated Gaetano Frulli, President of Nuova Fiera del Levante. “EVOLIO Expo, with its moments of discussion, has helped to enhance the product and all the people involved in its production. As the event concludes, we can affirm that this specialized fair represents the identity of our region as well as that of Nuova Fiera del Levante, which promotes EVO oil as a crucial element of our economy to be valued on a global scale.”
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