"Portugal is already one of the world's largest producers of high quality olive oil"

Rui Garrido, president of ACOS

What is ACOS’s main mission and how does it specifically support the olive oil sector in southern Portugal?

ACOS was originally founded as the Association of Sheep Breeders of the South, primarily focused on livestock farming. Over time, as many farmers who were not livestock producers or had other main activities joined, it became necessary to amend its statutes.

Today, ACOS is a farmers’ association whose primary mission is to defend its members and their sectors of activity before State institutions, EDIA (the company managing the Alqueva project), farmers’ confederations, and the government.

Currently, ACOS has over 2,100 members and 70 employees, offering a wide range of services, including:

• Technical support for applications to PEPAC, organic and integrated production, efficient water use, soil and foliar analyses, and inspection of sprayers and atomizers.
• Animal health management in six municipalities.
• Marketing of wool, sheep, and cattle.
• Supply of feed, farming equipment, and veterinary medicines.
• Professional training.
• Veterinary laboratory supporting animal health.
• Chemical laboratory specialized in olives and olive oil.
• Collection of small ruminant carcasses south of the Tagus River.
• Organization of the OVIBEJA agro-livestock fair.

The growth of olive cultivation in our region and the significant number of olive-growing members have made the olive oil sector one of the most important within ACOS today.

It’s worth highlighting that both laboratories are certified and accredited. The chemical laboratory currently performs analyses of olives at harvest time (moisture, acidity, yield) and of olive oils. To close the cycle, we recently established a panel of tasters and built a tasting room for sensory analysis.

During OVIBEJA, we host the only international olive oil competition in Portugal, featuring 22-24 tasters from 10 countries and oils from 12 countries, with over 120 samples evaluated each year.

What characteristics define the olive oil produced in southern Portugal and what differentiates it from oils produced elsewhere in the world?

In my opinion, olive oils from southern Portugal stand out for their smoothness. They are less intense, making them easier to consume. This trait depends heavily on our tradition but also on our local olive varieties.

We are the earliest producing region north of the Mediterranean Sea; in other words, we are the first region to have new olive oil each year. In a typical year, more than 90% of our olive oil is extra virgin, making it a superior quality product.

How do you value the image and positioning of Portuguese olive oil?

The qualities mentioned earlier can greatly help market our olive oil. For consumers who do not usually consume olive oil or are used to other fats like vegetable oils, it’s easier to switch to smoother oils rather than very intense ones.

The fact that we have olive oil available early in the season, combined with Portugal’s worldwide image as a producer of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, are very important attributes for the sector’s growth.

Portugal has gained prominence in the global olive oil production. What role has ACOS played in this growth?

ACOS has contributed mainly through:

• Direct support to olive growers, in advisory roles and professional training, offering courses on Integrated and Organic Production, pruning, fertilization, irrigation in olive groves, study visits, olive oil tasting courses, mill technicians, etc.
• Support through our laboratory, providing olive analysis results to farmers and mills within 24 hours.
• Organizing the OVIBEJA international olive oil competition, which proudly ranks among the top three in the world.
  
  
  

What are the main challenges olive oil producers in Portugal face today?

The major challenge in the coming years will be our ability to reduce bulk olive oil sales while promoting packaged oil sales with added value. This will help retain the added value within Portugal instead of it flowing to other countries such as Spain or Italy.

What are the main international markets where Portuguese olive oil is present?

The main importers are, in descending order: Spain, Brazil, and Italy, accounting for 90% of exports.

Other important markets include Angola, Mozambique, Germany, Switzerland, and China. The United Arab Emirates are also beginning to represent a significant part.

How do events like the Olive Oil World Congress help unlock Portugal’s potential in this sector internationally?

Events like this showcase the importance of the sector in Portugal, today one of the largest olive oil producers in the world.

They communicate that Portugal produces high-quality olive oils sustainably, which is the message that must reach consumers and global markets.

What message would you like to share with the subscribers of the Olive Oil World Congress newsletter about the present and future of olive oil in Portugal?

In my opinion, Portugal is on the right track regarding olive oil production. We currently have excellent farmers, skilled technicians, the best technologies, good varieties, and a suitable climate for olive cultivation, which explains the extraordinary quality of our oils.

What remains is to take the leap in marketing and promotion of Portuguese olive oils under our own brand, to conquer new markets while maintaining existing ones.

With the creation of the Interprofessional Association of the Olive Sector (AIFO), I believe everything will happen more easily and quickly.