Italian olive oil industry faces market risks in Lucera conference

Industry experts and institutions met in Lucera on October 3, 2026, for the conference ‘Italian Oil at Risk: Perspectives for the New Oil Campaign.’ Organized by the Associazione dei Mastri Oleari and the Associazione dei Frantoiani di Puglia, the event addressed critical challenges facing the Italian olive oil sector ahead of the upcoming harvest.

Key concerns identified include declining market prices, increased stock from the previous year, and competition from low-cost foreign products. Tommaso Loiodice, President of the Filiera Olivicola Olearia Italiana (F.O.O.I.), warned that these economic fluctuations could discourage field harvesting and harm producers.

To combat these issues, participants emphasized the need for better communication and cultural valuation of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Luigi Caricato of Olio Officina suggested that establishing a new communicative language and utilizing oil competitions could help position artisanal products in a premium tier, separating them from global price-driven market dynamics. Discussions also touched upon the necessity of technological innovation in oil mills.