A new season of popular kids’ TV series Lazy Town will plump olive oil as part of its overall emphasis on exercise and healthy eating.
Pedro Barato, president of the promotional body Interprofesional del Aceite de Oliva, announced the €800,000 ($1.12m) campaign at Expoliva in Jaén on Friday. He said It would target young children “because we need to educate them about the Mediterranean Diet. They will be the future ambassadors and advocates of olive oil in Spain.”
The initiative is a joint one between Barato’s organization and the Mediterranean Diet Foundation and will see the diet — and olive oil as one of its key elements – championed as part of child nutrition information in 13 new episodes of the show due to screen in Spain this fall. Barato said the relevant segments would also be accessible worldwide via the internet.
And across the border, in southern France, the Interprofessional together with other entities has launched a new phase of the European Olive Oil Program with shopping center cooking events and competitions under the umbrella slogan “Everything is better with olive oil. Even you.”
Meanwhile, with Spain’s olive oil industry steeped in a pricing crisis, municipal elections to be held country-wide next Sunday (May 22) and a general election due next March, Expoliva attracted politicians of various hues among its more than 46,000 visitors.
On Friday, it was the turn of Javier Arenas, president of Spain’s main opposition party, the Popular Party, in Andalusia. Arenas said the region’s olive oil sector – estimated to have amassed debt of €1.5 billion ($2.1b) in the last three years — needed some special care. He joined calls for the European Commission to provide private storage aid for Spanish olive oil until prices improve and for the highly fragmented production side of the industry to unify.
Arenas also said it was “absolutely essential” that an Andalusian Laboratory of Agri-Food Analysis be set up as a first step towards the creation of an Institute for the Mediterranean Diet.
Expoliva closed on Saturday having had an estimated €31 million ($43.7m) flow-on impact on Jaén’s economy over the four-day event. According to Jaén Fairs president Luis Carlos García, a survey of attendees found that 72% had made purchases of at least €4,000 ($5,644) at Expoliva.
Related Articles
Jan. 8, 2024
Mediterranean Diet Tops List for Seventh Year
The U.S. News & World Report cited the diet's variety, flexibility and health benefits.
Oct. 13, 2024
Mediterranean Diet Adherence Linked to Lower Risk of Atrial Fibrillation
A recent study has described the Mediterranean diet as a robust preventative strategy against the development of atrial fibrillation, potentially due to its polyphenols.
May. 23, 2024
First OlivitalyMed Festival Hailed as Success in Cilento
The event, which spotlighted extra virgin olive oil in Campania and Italy, also hosted conferences on cooking, health, tourism and science.
Sep. 12, 2024
Low-Carb Mediterranean Diet Aids Diabetes Patients in Achieving Remission
A review found that a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet was more effective in helping type 2 diabetes patients achieve remission compared to a low-fat or traditional Mediterranean diet.
May. 1, 2024
Researchers Investigate Links Between MedDiet Adherence and Oral Health
The Mediterranean diet's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and its role in maintaining beneficial microorganisms are linked with positive oral health outcomes.
May. 7, 2024
Mediterranean Diet and Exercise Associated with Better Gut Health in Older Adults
The study demonstrated these improvements to gut health yielded significant cardiovascular health benefits in older Mediterranean adults.
Dec. 16, 2024
Spain Bets on Comedy to Boost Olive Oil Sales
In a new national comedy tour, stand-up stars will be promoting extra virgin olive oil in major cities across Spain.
Nov. 15, 2024
U.S. Consumers Embrace Olive Oil in Squeeze Bottles
Despite the growing popularity of squeeze bottles for their convenience, some question the potential impact on olive oil quality and the environmental burden of the packaging.