Andalusia consolidates its leadership in the international extra virgin olive oil market with its prominent participation in the 11th edition of the World Olive Oil Exhibition (WOOE), held in Madrid on March 12 and XNUMX. The Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, through the Andalusian Agricultural and Fisheries Management Agency (Agapa), promotes the global projection of this strategic product under the umbrella of the agri-food quality brand. 'Taste of the South'.
At this event, considered the largest in the world dedicated exclusively to olive oil, Andalusia once again leads the way in exhibition space, with a total of 387 square meters of the fair's 633 square meters of net surface area. Of this space, 90 square meters correspond to the institutional stand of the Andalusian Regional Government, which hosts representatives of ten figures of Andalusian extra virgin olive oil quality.
The Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) 'Aceite de Lucena', 'Baena', 'Estepa', 'Poniente de Granada', 'Montes de Granada', 'Priego de Córdoba', 'Sierra de Cazorla', 'Sierra de Segura', 'Sierra Mágina' and the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) 'Aceite de Jaén' are the protagonists in this space, representing the excellence and diversity of Andalusian olive oil.
Andalusia, the undisputed leader in olive oil
The Ministry of Agriculture emphasizes that "Gusto del Sur" is a seal that protects all quality agricultural and fishery products from Andalusia. Currently, 159 entities and more than 400 products are members of this label, reinforcing the Regional Government's commitment to ensuring the quality and origin of Andalusian food.
During the fair, Andalusia actively participates in various official WOOE 2025 activities. Among them is the "Challenge. Mazamorra Cordobesa Competition," in which ten contestants create their own version of this traditional dish using extra virgin olive oils from Andalusian PDOs and vinegars from Montilla-Moriles. Also noteworthy is the "Paired Tasting." The magic of extra virgin olive oil, ten essences of Andalusia,' an experience guided by chef Eva Millán, MasterChef finalist and WOOE 2025 ambassador.
In addition, the Andalusian stand features a show cooking area where daily tastings are held, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the quality and versatility of Andalusian extra virgin olive oil.
Economy, employment and wealth
The Board's objective with its presence in the World Olive Oil Exhibition The objective is to strengthen the competitiveness of the Andalusian olive oil sector, promote the internationalization of its companies, and raise awareness of the region's extra virgin olive oils, highlighting their role as a fundamental pillar of the Mediterranean Diet. Institutional participation is funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Andalusia is the world leader in olive oil production, with more than 1,6 million hectares of olive groves, representing 62% of the national total and 15% of the global surface area. By 2023, the olive oil sector will be and olives generated 3.888 billion euros, and in 2024 exports reached a historic record of 4.570 billion euros, 39% more than the previous year.
The Andalusian olive oil sector is also a driving force of employment, generating around 20 million days of work per season and representing 40% of agricultural employment in the region. The industry has 850 olive oil mills, 772 bottling plants, 17 refineries, 41 olive oil processing plants, 225 olive tamping plants, and 116 olive packing plants.
Involvement Andalusia At WOOE, it reaffirms its position as a world leader in extra virgin olive oil, promoting innovation, quality, and sustainability as hallmarks of the Andalusian olive oil sector.
