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Strengthening Dialogue on Olive Oil Science and Market Trends
The International Olive Council (IOC) actively participated in SOL2EXPO, a key international event dedicated to the olive oil sector, held in Verona, Italy, from 2 to 4 March 2024. The event brought together sector leaders, policymakers and experts to discuss crucial issues shaping the future of olive oil production, consumption and regulation.
The Deputy Executive Director of the IOC, Abderraouf Laajimi, took part in the official opening of SOL2EXPO, in the presence of senior officials including the Italian Minister for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida, the Mayor of Verona, Damiano Tommasi, the President of the Province, Flavio Massimo Pasini and the President of Veronafiere, Federico Bricolo. All the speakers stressed the strategic importance of the olive oil sector for Italy and the broader Mediterranean region.
On this occasion, the IOC took part in discussions on consumer trends and market developments, and in a scientific dialogue on the sterol composition of extra virgin olive oil.
During the round table discussion titled ‘Positioning and Prospects for Olive Oil: The Consumer’s Perspective’, Deputy Executive Director Laajimi presented an in-depth analysis of global olive oil consumption trends. He highlighted evolving consumer preferences, the impact of economic factors on market behaviour, and the role of education in promoting the health benefits of olive oil. Laajimi emphasised the need for continued market research to adapt to shifting demand patterns and to strengthen consumer confidence in olive oil quality and authenticity.
A second round table, entitled ‘The issue of sterols in extra virgin olive oil: realities and perspectives’, featured contributions from the IOC’s Deputy Director and Yousra Antit, Head of the IOC’s Chemistry Department. Antit presented the IOC’s ongoing research and standardisation initiatives, underlining its crucial role in promoting consensus among experts in chemistry and organoleptic assessment in order to preserve the integrity of olive oil. She referred in particular to the work of the IOC sub-group charged with studying olive oils with non-standard parameters and varietal identification affecting the composition of authentic olive oils, with a view to identifying solutions while safeguarding the authenticity of the product, particularly as regards sterol content. The IOC launched a study on total and individual sterols in 2021/22, giving priority to total sterols according to the established protocol. The preliminary results of this study were presented for information at the 120th session of the IOC Council of Members and will be submitted for adoption at the 121st session. At their last meeting, in October 2024, the chemists decided to extend this study by one year for total sterols. Both IOC members and non-member producing countries were invited to submit new samples by 28 March 2025 for analysis by IOC-recognisedm laboratories. The results will be discussed at the expert meetings scheduled between now and the end of the year, and the conclusions will be presented at the Council of Members meeting in November 2025.
The IOC’s participation at SOL2EXPO reaffirmed its dedication to advancing scientific research, fostering market transparency and promoting the highest quality standards in the olive oil sector. Through expert collaboration and data-driven policymaking, the Organisation continues to lead the global effort in ensuring consumer trust and supporting the sustainable growth of the olive oil sector.
