A recent experiment* has paved the way for new possibilities to improve the traceability of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), it is possible to obtain a detailed analysis of the molecular composition of the oil, which could provide useful indications of the area of origin.
Although still in the experimental stage, the above progress demonstrates a commitment to fostering unprecedented quality and transparency for consumers when purchasing Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

In this context of increasing attention to quality and traceability, Ecceasia, the three-year program co-financed by the European Union, Unaprol, the Italian Olive Oil Consortium, and Cap, Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal, under EU Reg. 1144/2014, finds ample space with the promotional initiative at points of sale.
Starting in September until the end of November, the well-known “Buongustaio” chain, renowned for distributing high-quality Italian food products, will host more than 300 promotion days in four of its stores in the Japanese capital, Tokyo.

But not only that, the promotion will also involve ‘Storie d’Italia,’ another renowned delicatessen specializing in certified Italian and European products.
Together, they will offer Japanese consumers an authentic experience of quality and tradition.

This is the schedule with the locations involved and the promotional period:

This is not the first time that Buongustaio outlets have been preferred as a location to give visibility and introduce European olive oil excellence to the Japanese consumer: after its success during the past edition of the Ecceasia project, the chain was selected again due to its ability to reach an audience particularly attentive to the quality and guarantees of the European food market.
The promotion represents just one of the many activities planned by the Ecceasia Project, whose goal is to spread the values and quality of European Extra Virgin Olive Oil among consumers not only in Japan but also in Taiwan.

During the promotional days, consumers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Mediterranean culture that characterizes these products, while also discovering curiosities, new gourmet recipes and information about the production techniques that make them unique and globally recognized.
They will, in addition, be able to taste Extra Virgin Olive Oils of excellence carefully chosen for the occasion.

In particular, a 100% Italian oil, which stands out for its refined delicacy and an intense golden yellow color with green reflections; the nose reveals itself to be ample and enveloping, with rich vegetable scents enriched by aromatic notes of mint and rosemary. On the palate, it stands out for its elegance and complexity, with tones of field lettuce and a distinct hint of black pepper and almond, in perfect balance between bitterness and spiciness.
Alongside it, an Extra Virgin Olive Oil Medium Fruity, obtained from Peranzana olives, is characterized by its fineness and low level of acidity, making it ideal for fish dishes. Completing the selection is the monocultivar Coratina, obtained from pitted olives. The separation of the pulp from the stone before pressing gives this oil a fruity taste and lively aftertaste, enhancing the purity of the fruit.

This phase of the Ecceasia project, set within a framework of technological innovations, is a decisive step toward achieving the goals of promoting and enhancing the value of European products, helping to ensure an increasingly reliable and informed shopping experience for consumers.

*Source: University of Salento, “Application of new analysis and certification methods to support olive growing for the defense of the territorial origin of Apulian EVO,” 2020-2023.