The European Commission recognises Aceite de Madrid as a PDO

Aceite de Madrid has been recognised by the European Commission as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, following the publication in the Official Journal of the EU of its entry in the Register of Protected Designations of Origin and Protected Geographical Indications. This identification will come into force 20 days from 4 April.

The process to achieve this distinction, in the category of oils and fats, began in October 2019, when the regional government initiated this request, together with the Regulatory Council of the Designation of Origin Aceite de Madrid. With it, the efforts of olive growers and producers are rewarded, as well as the quality of this local food that already transcends borders.

The Community of Madrid has more than 20,000 hectares of olive groves spread over almost a hundred municipalities, although the main areas are concentrated in the regions of La Campiña, Las Vegas and Suroccidental. The average annual production is between 4 and 6.5 million kilos. There are two main varieties that are grown - cornicabra and manzanilla - and some other with a smaller presence- verdeja, carrasqueña, picual and gordal–. All of them are processed in 18 oil mills, 7 of which produce only organic oil.

Aceite de Madrid already had the Marca de Garantía certification, a regional quality label that recognises the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) obtained by mechanical processes until a product with a maximum acidity of 0.8 degrees of oleic acid is obtained.

It is characterised by its unique flavour, where artisanal production is combined with respect for the natural environment. In recent years, plantations have shifted towards organic cultivation, using different techniques that affect the tree and the ecosystem in which it is found as little as possible.