With one and a half million certified liters, the PGI Sicilian Oil becomes the first Protected Geographical Indication designation in Italy, exceeding theTuscan PGI, historically at the top of the country's great extra virgin olive oils. The announcement was made at Sol di Verona commenting on the data received fromIRVO, the Regional Institute of Wine and Oil of the island which is the official certifying body.
An exponential growth
Great satisfaction was expressed by Mario Terrasi, the president of Sicilian PGI Oil Protection Consortium who also announced another important fact: there are already 2 million the “collars” distributed to packers registered in the PGI circuits in bottles of various sizes or in the larger containers required by law which will allow the authenticity of the product to be certified.
Definitely positive goals, especially considering how fast the recognition process was, which began in 2017 and which saw the birth of the Protection Consortium in 2022: “Sicilian oils – added Terrasi – they are able to fully express the biodiversity heritage that has always distinguished our productions. This record enhances its value and must push all oil producers to adhere to the Sicilian PGI, observing the production regulations, the true seal of guarantee of the product. I feel obliged, on this occasion, to express a double thank you also on behalf of all the members: to the Irvo panel for the great work it is carrying out and which supports us in this important initiative to valorise our island's oil and to the technicians of the same Institute which confirms itself as a partner of the highest level, guaranteeing both producers and consumers".
The path of the Consortium – which boasts 180 millers and packers and almost 2.500 olive growers – obviously we don't want to stop here, and indeed from Sol di Verona a strong signal of encouragement has come to those who grow olive trees and produce oil in Sicily, recognizing the denomination of origin of the product as a valid tool for protection and characterization.
A result that comes thanks to the great commitment made by IRVO in recent years on oil and which must find new motivations on the distinctive peculiarities of Sicilian oils: “Our wealth - commented the director of IRVO Gaetano Aprile - lies in the olive biodiversity and in the production specializations capable of matching the right oil to each dish".
