The PDO olive oil sector in Liguria is renowned for its outstanding production quality, as highlighted by the recent Ismea – Qualivita Report. The event “Orgolio Liguria Weekend,” scheduled for December 7th and 8th, will provide an opportunity to explore local olive groves and mills.
The XXII Ismea – Qualivita Report, presented in Rome, showcased the growth of the Italian PDO – PGI products sector. Despite challenges such as conflicts, price increases, and climate change, the Italian PDO Economy continues to thrive, with a production value exceeding 20 billion euros for the second consecutive year. Nearly 200,000 operators, including agricultural businesses and processors, are involved in the sector, which employs approximately 850,000 people. The value of PDO /PGI products accounts for one-fifth of the entire Italian agri-food sector, supported by 317 protection consortia.
In the Geographical Indication oils sector, there are 50 designations, of which 42 are PDO and 8 are PGI. This segment represents 1% of the production value and 2% of the export value of geographical indications. In 2023, certified production reached 12,355 tonnes, marking a 6% decrease compared to the previous year, yet the production value stands at 115 million euros and consumer value at 168 million euros. Riviera Ligure PDO extra virgin olive oil ranks fifth in production value with 5.1 million euros.
Carlo Siffredi, President of the Consortium for the Protection of Riviera Ligure PDO Olive Oil, emphasized that “the extra virgin olive oil from Italian regions is undervalued.” Mauro Rosati, General Director of Qualivita, highlighted the importance of focusing on the image of the Italian PDO Economy, combining “technological innovation and cultural enhancement” to strengthen Italy’s position in the global PDO – PGI market.
Despite a 33% increase in value, Italian PDO – PGI oils have yet to reach their full potential. Their strengths include health benefits and cultural identity, as well as contributions to olive biodiversity and the economic sustainability of rural communities. It is crucial to embark on a collective journey to transform these products from mass market offerings to premium goods linked to Italian territories, countering the misuse of PDO and PGI names. General Daniel Melis of the Carabinieri for Agro-Food Protection stated that “the concept of quality goes hand in hand with that of health.”
During the “Orgolio Liguria Weekend,” producing companies will welcome visitors to explore the sensory profile of this year’s Ligurian oil directly in the olive groves and mills, places where tradition has been passed down for centuries.