The IOC and the Portuguese authorities are finalising preparations for a series of major international olive-sector events to be held in Lisbon from 29 June to 1 July 2026.

The Executive Director of the International Olive Council (IOC), Jaime Lillo, met today in Lisbon with the Portuguese Minister of Agriculture and Maritime Affairs, José Manuel Fernandes, to review the final preparations for the 123rd session of the Council of Members, the 66th meeting of the Advisory Committee and the 2nd Olive Oil World Congress (OOWC), which will take place in the Portuguese capital from 29 June to 1 July 2026.

Hosted by the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture and Maritime Affairs at the invitation of the Minister, these events will bring together representatives from across the international olive sector and reinforce Portugal’s role as a key meeting point for dialogue and cooperation within the olive oil and table olive community. The IOC conveyed its sincere appreciation to the Portuguese authorities for their invaluable support in the organisation of the meetings.

The 123rd session of the Council of Members, the IOC’s highest decision-making body, will bring together representatives of the Organisation’s 48 member countries – which account for around 95% of global olive oil and table olive production – to discuss key issues affecting the sector and to coordinate the Organisation’s work programme. Discussions will cover a broad range of topics, including quality, standardisation, sustainability, climate change, research, international cooperation and promotion, with the aim of strengthening the olive sector and addressing its future challenges.

The day before, the 66th Meeting of the Advisory Committee will gather more than 60 representatives of the olive oil and table olive value chain, including producer, consumer, commercial, importer and exporter organisations. The meeting will provide a forum for stakeholders to exchange views on the sector’s main challenges and opportunities, share recent developments and identify areas where the IOC can continue to support the industry.

On the same occasion, the Portuguese authorities and the organisers officially presented the 2nd OOWC, which will take place in Lisbon on 1 July 2026. Building on the success of its first edition, the Congress aims to bring together leading international experts, researchers, institutions and industry representatives to discuss the latest developments and innovations across the olive oil value chain.

The first edition of the OOWC was held in Madrid in 2024 at the headquarters of the Spanish National Research Council, with the support of the IOC and other institutional partners. The second edition is expected to further strengthen international dialogue and collaboration in support of a sustainable, innovative and competitive olive sector.

Further details on the three-day programme will be announced in the coming weeks.