The global olive oil sector is undergoing one of the most transformative periods in its history. Climate change adaptation, the need for more sustainable production systems, the digitalisation of farms and olive oil processing facilities, biodiversity conservation, the search for new markets and the consolidation of olive oil’s role as a healthy food are redefining the future of a strategic industry for producers around the world.
Against this backdrop, Portugal, as one of the world’s leading olive oil producers, will become one of the key centres for discussion and decision-making within the international olive oil sector on 2 and 3 July, when Lisbon hosts the Olive Oil World Congress (OOWC), the largest global event dedicated to the sector.
This is no coincidence. In recent years, Portugal has established itself as one of the countries that has evolved most significantly within the international olive oil landscape, successfully combining tradition with innovation, research and production potential. Now, from its capital city, Lisbon, it aims to contribute proactively to defining the solutions that the global olive oil sector needs to address both current and future challenges.
José Manuel Fernandes, Portugal’s Minister of Agriculture and the Sea, and Jaime Lillo, Executive Director of the International Olive Council (IOC), will officially open the World Congress. Their participation highlights the strategic importance that olive oil has acquired for the economy, sustainability and food systems both in Portugal and globally.
Among the key issues to be addressed are the preservation and profitability of traditional olive groves, the valuation of ecosystem services provided by olive-growing areas, the international harmonisation of olive oil quality standards, innovation applied to olive production, environmental sustainability and communication as a tool to drive consumption.
In particular, within the session dedicated to bioeconomy and sustainability in the olive oil sector, Portugal will lead some of the most significant discussions. José Alberto Pereira, from the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, will analyse how traditional olive groves contribute to biodiversity conservation and the generation of essential ecosystem services for rural areas. Meanwhile, Gonçalo Moreira, representing Olivum, will address the need to recognise and economically reward the sustainability benefits generated by olive groves, an issue that is becoming increasingly prominent on the European agenda.
Quality and authenticity, two essential factors for maintaining consumer confidence and ensuring international competitiveness, will also feature strong Portuguese participation. In the session dedicated to product quality and safety, Roberto Silva, from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), will examine progress in the international harmonisation of analytical methods and quality standards.
Sensory analysis, regarded as one of the cornerstones of differentiation and excellence in extra virgin olive oil, will include the participation of Ana Carrilho, from the University of Lisbon, who will take part in the international roundtable discussing the latest advances in sensory evaluation.
Gastronomy, one of the most powerful drivers of olive oil promotion worldwide, will also have a prominent place within the programme. Carlos Fontão de Carvalho, from the Portuguese Academy of Gastronomy, will explore the role of chefs and fine dining in creating new consumer experiences and communicating the cultural values associated with olive oil.
Portugal’s strong presence within the OOWC scientific programme also reflects the country’s remarkable evolution over recent decades, becoming an internationally recognised benchmark in areas such as agronomic innovation, sustainability, applied research and the gastronomic promotion of olive oil.
With Lisbon as its host city, Portugal will not only serve as the venue for this World Congress; it will also play an active role in many of the conversations and debates that will shape the future of the global olive oil sector in the years ahead.
All individuals, companies and public or private institutions interested in participating in the Congress can register through 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, together with public bodies such as the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture and Maritime Affairs, the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha (“Campo y Alma”), the Government of Catalonia and IMIDRA.
On the private sector side, this second edition is currently supported, in addition to Olivum, by organisations including AgroBank, the Spanish Olive Oil Interprofessional Organisation, GEA Group, Novonesis, APOAC (Associação para a Promoção do Olival e Azeite de Aire e Candeeiros) through its commercial brand “Olivedos do Carso”, Adsaica (Associação de Desenvolvimento das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros), Feria de Zaragoza (ENOMAQ), Kubota, Dazeite and Siliker.
The OOWC invites all stakeholders to become part of this collaborative international initiative by exploring sponsorship and partnership opportunities. Further information is available through the OOWC Technical Secretariat by calling +34 91 721 79 29 or by emailing info@oliveoilwc.com.
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