by InTrieste
Olio Capitale, Italy’s leading trade fair dedicated to extra virgin olive oil, opened on Friday in Trieste, bringing together producers, buyers, and industry experts for three days of exhibitions, tastings, and business meetings.
Now in its 17th edition, the event features 212 exhibitors from 18 Italian regions and Greece, as well as buyers from 16 countries. More than 600 business-to-business meetings have been scheduled, reflecting the fair’s growing international profile. The event also includes a consumer survey conducted in collaboration with the University of Trieste to analyze preferences in high-quality olive oil.
Antonio Paoletti, president of the Venezia Giulia Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the fair’s economic significance. “This year, we are seeing increasing participation from international buyers, which strengthens Olio Capitale’s role as a key commercial platform for producers,” he said.
Italy remains a major player in the olive oil industry, although it ranks behind Spain, Turkey, and Greece in production. According to Coldiretti, a national agricultural organization, Italian olive oil exports have surged 45% in 2024, contributing to a record €69.1 billion in agri-food exports.
The fair, which runs through Sunday, also highlights olive oil’s role in cuisine and culture. More than two dozen local restaurants are featuring specially crafted dishes incorporating premium olive oils, and a selection of bars in Trieste and Friuli Venezia Giulia are offering cocktails made with olive oil as part of the “CocktOIL” initiative.
Winners of the Olio Capitale International Competition were announced on Friday, with top prizes going to producers from Tuscany, Puglia, and Spain.
The event is organized by the Venezia Giulia Chamber of Commerce with support from the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and other regional and national institutions. Next year’s edition is expected to expand its focus to include olive oil’s applications in health and wellness.
