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Following the 64th meeting of its Advisory Committee in Úbeda, the International Olive Council (IOC) continues this week with an active presence at the 22nd International Scientific-Technical and Knowledge Transfer Symposium of Expoliva 2025, one of the world’s leading forums for knowledge and innovation in the olive sector.
The symposium, taking place from 14 to 17 May in Jaén, is organised by the Fundación del Olivar and the Regional Government of Andalusia. The IOC has granted its institutional patronage to the event and has collaborated actively in its organisation, reaffirming its commitment to science and international cooperation in the olive sector.
On the opening day, Wednesday 14 May, the IOC took part in two key sessions. The Executive Director of the IOC, Jaime Lillo, delivered the symposium’s inaugural address, titled “The global olive sector: current situation and future challenges.” His presentation explored major dynamics in the international market, the structural and climate-related challenges facing the sector, and the role of the IOC as a reference body for technical cooperation between producing and consuming countries.
Following his presentation, and prior to the official opening of the Expoliva 2025 fair, a welcome reception took place involving regional and national authorities—led by Spain’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas—and IOC representatives.
That same day, IOC Deputy Executive Director Abderraouf Laajimi moderated the roundtable “Analysis of the 2024/25 crop year and global market overview,” a space for dialogue among experts from diverse geographic backgrounds to discuss trends in production, trade, pricing, and sector outlooks.
Planned IOC participation in the upcoming symposium sessions:
- 15 May | The Head of the IOC’s Technology and Environment Department, Juan Antonio Polo, will speak at the roundtable “Key issues for the environmental sustainability of olive growing systems,” addressing sustainable farming practices, soil conservation, water management, and climate change adaptation.
- 16 May | The Head of the IOC’s Standardisation and Research Unit, Mercedes Fernández Albadalejo, will moderate the session “Olive oils and human health: health claims,” focusing on the nutritional benefits of extra virgin olive oil and the scientific evidence supporting its role in disease prevention.
The IOC’s strong presence at this forum highlights its role as a key player in the generation and dissemination of scientific knowledge on olives and their products, as well as its ongoing commitment to sustainability, quality and health from an international perspective.
The IOC invites all sector stakeholders and the specialist public to follow the symposium sessions closely, as they offer an important opportunity to share progress, strengthen collaboration networks, and guide the future of the global olive sector.
