A Mediobanca study on Italy’s olive oil sector, published last August, examines the country’s 50 largest joint-stock companies with revenues exceeding €20 million in 2022. Global olive oil production in the 2023/2024 period is forecast at 2.4 million tonnes, down 6.3% from the previous two years, following a dramatic 24.9% drop from the record 3.4...

Fraud and counterfeiting operations continue to pose significant challenges for the olive oil industry. In Italy, one of the world’s largest olive oil producers, specialized police units are actively combating the illicit food trade, explicitly focusing on olive oil adulteration. Genuine, high-quality olive oil is a prime target for criminal organi...

Olive oil – described as “liquid gold” in Homer’s Iliad – is renowned for its health benefits. Not only is it delicious, it is anti-inflammatory, good for the gut, beneficial for the heart, and may even help us feel happier and live longer. Scientists are now turning their attention, however, to the murky, brown and previously discarded by-product...

The story of Paolo Cassini's company, which bears his name, is a tale of dedication, romance, and an unbreakable bond with the memories of a childhood spent in the family mill. His grandfather Jean and father Giovanni installed the mill in the small village of Isolabona in Val Nervia, in the province of Imperia, in 1962. "I was about 7 years old an...

Salento, often referred to as the “heel” of Italy’s boot, is a stunning sub-region in the southern part of Puglia (Apulia), located at the southeastern tip of the Italian peninsula. It includes the provinces of Lecce, Brindisi, and Taranto, and is renowned for its breathtaking coastline, rich cultural heritage, and significant contributions to Ital...

Olive cultivation has deep roots in the area around Siena, and the olive tree can be found in Tuscan works of art and paintings from the late Middle Ages on. There are also texts from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries that mention the presence of olives over a large part of the hills near Siena which enhanced the magnificent landscape. In his...

Our journey exploring the most beautiful gems to visit in Italy takes us to Abruzzo once again, the enchanting Europe’s green region, a land where the mountains embrace the sea capable of welcoming and pampering tourists among ancient cities and stunning villages. Speaking of villages, today let's discover together what to see in Casoli, one of the...

It is no longer a secret that extra virgin olive oil is considered a "superfood" that can contribute to a longer life when consumed as part of a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, aiding in the prevention of certain diseases. In recent years, scientific studies specifically focusing on various forms of dementia and Alzheimer's have empha...

Olive trees have defined Italian landscapes, culture, and cuisine for thousands of years. With nearly eight hundred native cultivars, the appearance of the trees and the characteristics of their olives vary widely from one region to the next. This breathtaking biodiversity is part of what makes Italian olive oil so extraordinary. It may also be wha...

Italian olive oil’s culinary crown jewels shine from a mix of tradition, geography, and dedicated craftsmanship. Centuries of olive cultivation have led to diverse, flavorful varieties specific to different regions, each boasting unique aromas and tastes. From the grassy notes of Ligurian oil to the peppery warmth of Sicilian, these regionally dist...