At a time when olive oil markets are seeking new drivers of growth beyond traditional producing countries, science will provide a compelling answer at the Olive Oil World Congress: health is now the most powerful argument for convincing consumers in Northern Europe, North America and Asia of the need to incorporate extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) into their daily diet. This will be the central theme of the Congress’s scientific programme, to be held on 2 and 3 July 2026 at the Belém Cultural Centre in Lisbon, where four of the world’s leading nutrition researchers will present the latest available evidence on the links between olive oil and human health.
The starting point will be set by Professor Miguel Ángel Martínez-González of the University of Navarra, one of the most internationally cited nutritional epidemiologists and the main driving force behind the landmark PREDIMED trial. His presentation will establish the Mediterranean diet as the dietary pattern with the strongest scientific backing for the prevention of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases, with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) at the heart of its protective effect.
Building on this scientific foundation, cardiologist Ramón Estruch, from the University of Barcelona, will take the floor to present the latest evidence on the mechanisms through which olive oil protects the cardiovascular system.
Estruch, co-author of several of the most influential nutritional intervention studies published over the last two decades, will explain how the lipid profile of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), which is dominated by oleic acid, works in synergy with its polyphenolic fraction to reduce systemic inflammation, improve endothelial function and modulate the blood lipid profile. The significance of his presentation lies in the fact that these effects have been demonstrated not only in Mediterranean populations but also in studies conducted with groups from other regions of the world, which decisively broadens the global applicability of the findings.
It is precisely this polyphenolic fraction of EVOO that will also be the focus of the presentation by Rosa Lamuela-Raventós, a professor at the University of Barcelona and an international authority in the field of bioactive food compounds. Lamuela-Raventós will present the latest advances in the development of nutraceuticals and functional foods derived from extra virgin olive oil, ranging from concentrated polyphenol extracts to capsules with specific clinical applications. Her research opens up a highly promising avenue for both the pharmaceutical industry and the agri-food sector: the possibility of offering the scientifically documented benefits of olive oil in formats tailored to consumer cultures that do not traditionally use it in cooking.
The Health session will conclude with a presentation by Ikram Khemiri, a researcher at the University of Tunis El Manar, who will offer a perspective of particular geopolitical and commercial significance: that of a producer country which also serves as a natural bridge between the Mediterranean and African markets. Khemiri will present evidence on the impact of olive oil on health in geographical and cultural contexts other than Europe, demonstrating that the documented benefits are replicated across diverse populations and that the health message acts as a vehicle for penetration into emerging markets, where olive oil is still a niche product with limited market share.
Taken together, the four presentations will paint an unmistakable picture: science no longer needs to prove that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is healthy, but rather to convey that certainty to consumers worldwide, through clear messages tailored to each culture and backed by the authority of clinical evidence. For the production sectors, this scientific programme will not merely be an academic exercise, but a roadmap for developing an international promotion strategy in which health is one of the most robust and enduring selling points.
Any individuals, companies or public or private institutions within the olive oil sector wishing to participate in this Congress may register via the following link: https://www.oliveoilworldcongress.com/inscription
The Congress already enjoys the institutional support of the International Olive Council (IOC), CIHEAM Zaragoza and the Mediterranean Diet Foundation, alongside public bodies such as the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture and Maritime Affairs, the Regional Government of Castile-La Mancha (‘Campo y Alma’), the Government of Catalonia and IMIDRA.
In the private sector, this second edition is currently being supported not only by Olivum but also by organisations such as AgroBank, the Interprofessional Association for Spanish Olive Oil, GEA Group, Novonesis, APOAC (Association for the Promotion of Olive Groves and Olive Oil from Aire and Candeeiros) with its ‘Olivedos do Carso’ brand, Adsaica (Association for the Development of the Aire and Candeeiros Mountains), Feria de Zaragoza (ENOMAQ), Kubota, Dazeite and Siliker. In addition to OlivoGestão as a sponsor of the Scientific Poster Competition.
We at the OOWC invite everyone to be part of this international collaborative project, encouraging you to explore the various options for cooperation and sponsorship, and making all the information you require available through the OOWC Technical Secretariat, by calling 91 721 79 29 or sending an email to info@oliveoilwc.com.
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