In recent hours, the Apulian olive oil production chain has been experiencing significant concern. This was reported by AIFO, the Italian Olive Oil Millers Association, highlighting two criminal incidents that occurred within a few hours. The first: a truck, with a load of oil with an estimated value of over 300 thousand euros, was attacked by a gang of four men on the provincial road between Canosa and Cerignola; the truck driver was kidnapped and released only after a few hours, while the truck and the load of oil disappeared into thin air. The second: a few hours earlier, in Andria, another vehicle was stolen while transporting 150 quintals of olives.
"Two incidents in quick succession confirm a tense and alarming situation." stressed Aifo's vice president, Elia Pellegrino, who clearly explained what is happening and the effects of this situation.“The producers and transporters – explains Pellegrino – They are increasingly exposed to unacceptable risks, while companies are forced to deal with rising insurance and logistics costs. The real danger, if this predatory situation persists, is that some operators will decide to reduce or suspend oil shipments for fear of further attacks. And this is reflected not only in higher costs for millers, but also in the concrete risk of a depreciation in the value of our oil.
The Olive Oil Mills Association recalls that it participated in meetings convened at the Prefecture and Police Headquarters to request greater support from the institutions and targeted interventions to protect workers, vehicles, and goods. The work of the law enforcement agencies—the Police Headquarters, the Carabinieri, and the Highway Police—is described as "commendable," but the vastness of the territory and the presence of routes considered more vulnerable require, according to the Association, a further coordinated effort.
“Like Aifo – added the association – We will continue to forcefully represent the needs of millers and the entire supply chain, so that these incidents do not happen again and the work of thousands of families can be carried out with the safety they deserve."
