Between history, quality and future: Calabrian oils stand at the top of the 2024 Verga Prize, celebration of Mediterranean olive growing
The prestigious 2024 Verga Prize has reserved a commendable showcase for Calabrian oils, recognized as undisputed protagonists in the competition dedicated to the best extra virgin olive oils in the Mediterranean basin. This year, the eighth edition of the event, orchestrated by the Municipality of Cotronei in collaboration with the Consortium for the Protection and Valorization of Calabria PGI Oil and the patronage of the Calabria Region, offered a program full of ideas and reflections on the relevance of olive growing for the future of the region.
The event kicked off with a sensational conference entitled “Olive growing: from a thousand-year tradition to the future for Calabria“, held in the Residenza d’Epoca Palazzo Verga on Saturday 18 May. Nationally renowned experts illuminated with in-depth discussions, analyzing the millenary roots of the Calabrian olive growing tradition and projecting it towards the future, exploring the potential of the territory and the challenges and opportunities in international markets.
The awards ceremony, held in the Conference Room of the Municipality of Cotronei the following Sunday, represented the culminating moment of the event, with the participation of the local authorities and the presence of the Agriculture Councilor of the Calabria Region, Gianluca Gallo. The long series of qualified interventions, led by the host of Linea Verde – RaiUno, Peppone Calabrese, provided an exhaustive picture of the state of the art of Calabrian olive growing and the future prospects of the sector.
The competition saw the participation of 64 producers from the regions of Calabria, Sicily, Campania, Sardinia and Puglia. A technical jury made up of 12 members, including seven expert tasters from Arsac, was tasked with evaluating the excellence presented, under the expert guidance of Carmelo Orlando.
Parallel to the competition, the conference held at Palazzo Verga emphasized the crucial importance of olive growing for the regional economy, highlighting the need to preserve and enhance this ancient agricultural tradition. The interventions of the illustrious speakers, including Professor Rocco Zappia of the University of Reggio Calabria, offered interesting insights on the role of Calabrian extra virgin olive oil in national and international markets.
The evening then saw the participation of the renowned Crotone chef Ercole Villirillo, who delighted the audience with a culinary show of great impact. The award ceremony for the winners aroused great enthusiasm among the participants and those present, confirming the central role of Calabrian oils in Mediterranean gastronomy and beyond.
Massimino Magliocchi, president of the Calabria PGI Oil Consortium, underlined the importance of pursuing quality without compromise, stating with conviction that Calabrian oil has all it takes to establish itself as a point of reference in national and international cuisines. The objective is clear: to offer excellent products capable of conquering the most demanding palates and the most competitive markets.
The 2024 Verga Prize confirmed the leading role of Calabrian oils in the panorama of extra virgin olive oil, celebrating the commitment of local producers in the constant search for perfection and authenticity, essential values in the thousand-year-old tradition of Calabrian olive growing.
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