The event's city-centre location and the decision to focus attention on the theme of the Mediterranean Diet ensured the attendance of people from all walks of life, all with attention firmly set on product quality, aware of the "culture" that comes with food and seeking that something extra that can turn even a simple salad into a unique dish.

“This is Olio Capitale: a trade fair where buyers from the world over come to meet and deal directly with producers, to export extravirgin olive oil at global level; but it is also a celebration of olive oil at the very highest levels," explained Antonio Paoletti, president of the Trieste Chamber of Commerce - "It has been a record event this year, ever more international, one that has brought great knock-on benefit to the city”.

“I have kept an eye on this wonderful initiative from the European Observatory," said Debora Seracchiani, MEP involved in transport and tourism, speaking at the closing ceremony - "Olio Capitale is certainly in line with the new European guidelines recognising natural produce and products of excellence as a top choice for investment for European tourism."

And the success of the Cookery School, organised in collaboration with the Federazione Nazionale Cuochi (National Federation of Chefs), exceeded all expectations. Federation head and Cookery School Director Emilio Cuk noted: “Over 3000 people took part in the cookery lessons given by local chefs, with an average of 100 participants per session and around 300 chefs in the kitchen. A huge satisfaction.”

In addition there was a busy calendar of business meetings aimed at bringing together demand and offer; exhibitors were put in touch with a selection of buyers from target markets, both in Europe and from further afield. Quite apart from individual outcomes, there was great satisfaction in the wide variety of oils and products presented by the many (231) businesses exhibiting at the Expo, clear demonstration that the strength of Italian producers lies in the diversity and uniqueness of their products. And this event is indeed invaluable in bringing together under one roof many small and large businesses plus an extensive range of offered products.

Highlight of the final day was the announcement of the Concorso Olio Capitale winners. Tuscany took this year's crown with a total of 6 oils out of the 15 finalists, but it was Puglia that actually went away with most of the winnings, taking 4 of the 7 prizes assigned. Then in addition to Puglia and Tuscany, awards also went to Sardinia and Sicily, with one winning oil each. Italy, country of extravirgin olive oil, was the acclaimed top nation for quality at this year's Expo, the most international Olio Capitale year to date. In fact, 20% of the oils were from abroad, in particular from Spain, Portugal, Greece and Israel. The oils were judged in pre-selection phase by a professional panel, and then during the Expo by three other panels - professional tasters, chefs and restaurateurs, and the ordinary consumer, representing all categories of potential extravirgin olive oil consumers. The public's response was exceptional - there was great interest in joining the people's panel of "consumers" for the Concorso; members had the opportunity to take a mini-course in olive oil tasting.

More info: www.oliocapitale.it