The Scientific Poster Competition of the Olive Oil World Congress once again highlighted the remarkable scientific momentum currently surrounding the olive oil sector. A total of 24 research proposals took part in this edition, showcasing how olive oil and extra virgin olive oil continue to stand at the center of some of the major challenges linked to food, health, sustainability, and agrifood innovation.
The studies presented addressed key issues shaping the future of the olive oil sector, ranging from food quality and safety to nutrition, traceability, crop sustainability, product authenticity, by-product valorization, and the application of new technological tools and predictive models within the olive oil industry.
During the evaluation process, the OOWC Scientific Committee particularly highlighted several projects focused on the analysis of contaminants in olive oil, European forecasts for olive grove yields and production, and the impact of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on healthy eating habits among children.
Among all the submissions, the Scientific Committee selected two studies for oral presentation, both addressing some of the sector’s most pressing current challenges. One of them, “Towards EU-wide forecasting of olive oil yields and production,” developed by the Joint Research Centre, focuses on the development of advanced tools to improve European forecasts for olive oil yields and production.
The second study, “Extra virgin olive oil as a key driver of Mediterranean diet adherence in children with obesity,” carried out by the Department of Internal Medicine at the Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, and the Universidad de Málaga, examines the role of extra virgin olive oil as a key factor in adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among children with obesity.
Both teams will have the opportunity to present and defend their research orally during the Congress, sharing with the international scientific community, companies, and industry professionals some of the most relevant advances currently being developed around olive oil.
Beyond the selected projects, the competition also showcased the diversity and high level of current olive oil research, with studies aimed at improving the sector’s sustainability, deepening knowledge of the health benefits of olive oil, developing new analytical methodologies, and providing innovative tools to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the olive oil value chain.
In this regard, Ramzi Belkhodja, president of the OOWC Scientific Committee, emphasized that “the scientific quality of the submitted works reflects the enormous dynamism and innovative capacity currently driving the olive oil sector at an international level.” He also stressed that “many of the studies provide tools and solutions with direct applications to some of the sector’s main challenges, such as sustainability, traceability, health, and improving competitiveness.”
All accepted posters will be displayed during the Olive Oil World Congress, turning the congress venue into a meeting point for knowledge exchange, scientific transfer, and collaboration among researchers, institutions, and companies from different countries.
With initiatives such as this competition, the Olive Oil World Congress further strengthens its role as a leading international forum for research, innovation, and scientific outreach surrounding one of the most emblematic, healthy, and representative products of the Mediterranean diet.
All individuals, companies, and public or private institutions within the olive oil sector interested in participating in the Congress can complete their registration through the following link: Olive Oil World Congress Registration
The Congress already has the institutional support of the International Olive Council, CIHEAM Zaragoza, and the Mediterranean Diet Foundation, together with public entities such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Maritime Affairs of Portugal, the Junta de Castilla-La Mancha through its “Campo y Alma” initiative, the Generalitat de Catalunya, and IMIDRA.
In the private sector, this second edition is currently supported, in addition to Olivum, by organizations such as AgroBank, the Interprofesional del Aceite de Oliva Español, GEA Group, Novonesis-Univar Solutions, APOAC with its commercial brand “Olivedos do Carso,” Adsaica, Feria de Zaragoza, Kubota, Dazeite, and Siliker.
The OOWC invites everyone to become part of this collaborative international project, encouraging stakeholders to explore cooperation and sponsorship opportunities. Further information is available through the OOWC Technical Secretariat by phone at +34 91 721 79 29 or by email at info@oliveoilwc.com.
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