Il Consortium for the Protection of Monti DOP Olive Oil Iblei celebrates the 25th anniversary of the recognition of the Protected Designation of Origin and the birth of the Consortium itself. To celebrate this important milestone and promote the product's excellence, a series of initiatives are underway in the production area.
The first date is with “Open Mills”, an unmissable opportunity for enthusiasts and families to taste freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil, the new oil, and discover the secrets of its production. The event takes place over two weekends:
- October 18 and 19: Province of Ragusa;
- October 25 and 26: Province of Syracuse.
The participating oil mills will open their doors to show the olive transformation process e teach consumers how to recognize and appreciate high-quality oil.
"The olive oil campaign has started with excellent prospects. We expect a larger quantity than last year, but above all, we confirm that the quality continues to be excellent," he stated. Giuseppe Arezzo, president of the Protection Consortium. - And what better time to celebrate our oil, appreciated far beyond the region's borders, than the start of the new production? We'll see everyone at 'Frantoi Aperti' over the next two weekends. A heartfelt thank you also goes to the Libero Consorzio dei Comuni di Ragusa, which continues to support our initiatives, and to sponsors like Pieralisi, Impresa Ecologica Busso, and Carmelo Gulino, in addition to the mills that will be opening to the public.
The “Open Oil Mills” Calendar
Waiting for Official Celebration Day in the program next 21 NovemberHere is the list of participating mills and their opening hours to the public.
Province of Ragusa (October 18 and 19)
Cutrera Oil Mills – Chiaramonte Gulfi
Covato Oil Mills – Ragusa
Sallemi Oil Mill – Comiso
Province of Syracuse (October 25 and 26)
Galioto Oil Mill in Fisicaro – Ferla
Carpino Oil Mill – Palazzolo Acreide
Nobile Oil Mill – Rosolini
The mills will be open on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm for students only, while from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm they will be open to the public for guided tours. On Sundays, they will be open to the public from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. For more information and reservations, please contact the participating mills directly.
Monti Iblei DOP Olive Oil: A Heritage Worth Protecting
Maria Rita Schembari, president of the Free Consortium of Municipalities of Ragusa, underlined the cultural and identity value of the product: The olive is one of the most authentic symbols of the Mediterranean: an ancient fruit that embodies history, culture, health, and identity. It is a precious commodity, with a value that goes far beyond simple nourishment. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Monti Iblei Consortium, it's important to remember how important it is to continue to discuss the quality, wholesomeness, and origin of the foods we put on our tables. Because health begins with nutrition, and we are what we eat.or – continues President Schembari. – Extra virgin olive oil with Protected Designation of Origin is an integral part of the Mediterranean diet, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
President Schembari then paid tribute to the producers: This anniversary is also an opportunity to pay tribute to those who, every day, make all this possible: the producers. There is a community of farmers and millers who have successfully carried on a thousand-year-old tradition, preserving its most authentic values while always looking to the future. Maintaining high quality, guaranteeing an excellent product, respecting the environment, and adopting sustainable practices—all this requires commitment, innovation, and vision. With determination and expertise, they have successfully opened the doors to international markets, bringing the name of the province of Ragusa to the world as a symbol of excellence. This is not just an agricultural heritage, but a social, economic, and identity-building one. A heritage that deserves to be supported, shared, and passed on to future generations. Frantoi Aperti is therefore more than just a celebration: it is an invitation to discovery and a moment for producers and consumers to meet..
The Monti Iblei PDO Consortium in numbers
· Members: 319 divided into olive growers, millers, packagers, intermediaries;
· Certified oil:
– 2022-2023 campaign: 2.357,36 tonnes
– 2023-2024 campaign: 2.422,76 tonnes
– 2024-2025 campaign (data as of February 19) 1.672,53 tonnes (according to the forecasts we will settle on 2.200,00 tonnes);
· Olive growing area: approximately 1.820 ha.
The Consortium for the Protection of Monti Iblei DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil was established in 2000. It is an important operational tool for quality olive growing. Various production sectors contributed to its establishment: producers, millers, and bottlers. The Consortium allows them to protect and promote the Monti Iblei DOP, guaranteeing consumers the quality and authenticity of the oil bearing the Consortium's own brand.
