Italian PDO and PGI Extra Virgin Olive Oils Are Increasing in Value
According to a new report, the value and volume of extra virgin olive oils with geographical indications are increasing across Italy. Puglia and Tuscany are leading the way.
Photo courtesy of Consorzio Olio Toscano IGPA new report published by the Institute of Services for the Agricultural Food Market (Ismea) and Qualivita shows that the value of Italian extra virgin olive oils with geographical indications has steadily increased over the past decade.
“The identity of food is increasingly important for global and interconnected consumers, who can count on a selection of food from all over the world,” Raffaele Borriello, the general director of Ismea, said. “Geographical indications anticipated the current perceptions of quality, which include traceability, preservation of biodiversity and protection of the landscape.”
Across all applicable sectors – such as wine, cheese, meat and olive oil – Italian products with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO or DOP) and Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI or IGP) status are worth €16.2 billion ($17.5 billion).
The market value of PDO and PGI extra virgin olive oils alone has steadily risen to €144 million ($155 million), a 21 percent increase compared with last year. Exports of PDO and PGI extra virgin olive oils have also risen, reaching €62 million ($67 million), an increase of 11 percent over the same period.
Tuscany and Puglia have been the driving forces behind these rising figures, and are each responsible for about €25 million ($27 million) of PDO and PGI production. Sicily, Liguria and Umbria also combine for a total of €24.1 million ($26 million) worth of PDO and PGI production.
Along with the growing value of olive oils with geographical indications, the volumes have also increased, rising by 22 percent.
“Italian PDO and PGI products have a key role in tourism and the economy of their territories,” Mauro Rosati, the general manager of Qualivita, said. “They are a binding force in the territorial experience capable of involving agriculture, crafts, hotels, quality restaurants and cultural and artistic heritage.”
Related Articles
Jan. 3, 2024
Europe Grants PDO Status to Turkey's Çizik Zeytini Table Olives
Turkey now has E.U.-protected status for three table olive varieties while awaiting Protected Designation of Origin certification for another three.
Feb. 19, 2024
Fourth Generation of Sicilian Farmers Celebrate Local Cultivars
In southeastern Sicily, the producers behind Vernèra share a sense of social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
Mar. 6, 2024
Xylella May Not Be Responsible for Olive Tree Devastation in Puglia, Study Finds
The findings could unravel a decade of policy and understanding that Xylella fastidiosa was the leading cause of Olive Quick Decline Syndrome in Puglia.
Nov. 27, 2023
Two Greek PDO Olive Oils Receive Protection in India
Kalamata and Sitia Lasithiou Kritis extra virgin olive oils have been registered as in India to protect them from imitations.
Apr. 30, 2024
Greek Court Rules Kalamon Olives May Use Kalamata Brand
The supreme court rejected an appeal by Messenia-based growers that only they could use the Kalamata branding, an appellation worth €200 million in exports.
Aug. 9, 2024
Italy’s Severe Drought Damages Olive Trees Ahead of Harvest
The country's major olive-growing regions are hit by heatwaves and drought. Production is anticipated to fall to historic lows.
Sep. 12, 2024
Unidentified Issue Triggering Early Fruit Drop in Northern Italy
Farmers are concerned about widespread and unexplained instances of immature olives falling in Frantoio groves. Extreme weather is thought to be the cause.
Apr. 16, 2024
Small Producers, Oleotourism Take Center Stage at Ercole Olivario
The winners of the main competition will participate in the Shelf Life Monitoring Project, which will help improve best practices for producers and consumers.