As a symbol of the Mediterranean diet, recommended by all experts and highly requested by consumers looking for a healthy and balanced diet, olive oil is going through a profound crisis. On the one hand i prices now skyrocketing, on the other the progressive contraction of families' purchasing power they reduce the purchase and consumption of olive oil. It was talked about “Record prices and changes in consumption” in the public meeting that took place in Bari, in Fiera del Levante as part of Enoliexpo 2024.
At the center of the discussion, organized by AIFO in collaboration with Italy Olive growing, analyzes and strategies have been put in place to relaunch the sector. Speakers: Elijah Pellegrino, president of Aifo; Gennaro Sicolo, president of Italia Olivicola, as well as president of Cia Puglia and national vice-president of Cia-Agricoltori Italiani; Bernardo de Gennaro, professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Bari; Marcello Scoccia, responsible for blending and sensory analysis; Tiziana Sarnari, Ismea market analyst; Francesca Petrini, president of Cna Agroalimentare; Thomas Loiodice, vice-president Fooi Italian olive oil supply chain. She spoke on behalf of the central government Life Maria Nocco, member of the fifth Commission (Budget).
In particular, President Sicolo highlighted that quality oil continues to be sought after by consumers even with the 20% increase in the price of oil, especially quality extra virgin olive oil, which has jumped from 8 to 10 euros. “Only united can we claim the right attention to a sector, the primary one, which in recent years has been put to the test not only by disasters, plant diseases and problems of all kinds, but also by a series of structural problems that deserve serious and greater responses Attention – added Sicolo regarding Xylella-. Xylella is a huge problem, concrete solutions must be found and applied to restore to the affected areas all the production potential that has been destroyed in recent years. It is a battle that must unite all of Puglia, not divide it. In order to contain this bacterium, research must be extended nationally and internationally in order to combat its spread in a decisive and definitive manner.".
