Italian olive oil conquers Amsterdam, a shower of awards at the AIOOC - News from Embassies - Dining and Cooking

Producers, experts, and chefs gathered to evaluate and award, through a panel of specialists, the finest extra virgin olive oils. The awards ceremony for the fifth edition of the Amsterdam International Olive Oil Competition (AIOOC), one of the sector’s most prestigious international events, took place at Hotelschool Den Haag’s Amsterdam Campus.


    Once again this year, the event, held on June 4, saw significant participation, welcoming approximately 200 producers from 20 different countries. In addition to offering significant international recognition, the AIOOC serves as a valuable platform for producers, importers, distributors, and food service professionals to meet and explore new business opportunities and partnerships in the Netherlands.


   After four days of tastings led by expert tasters and Michelin-starred chefs, the 26 participating Italian companies achieved excellent results: 3 platinum awards, 18 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals. Italy also won the prestigious “Chef’s Choice” award, presented by a jury composed of six chefs from the country’s top restaurants.


   During the ceremony, Dr. Maria Pia Bianconi, from the Economic and Commercial Office of the Italian Embassy, highlighted the symbolic value of extra virgin olive oil, an emblem of Italian traditions, roots, and culture, but also a unifying element among the peoples of the Mediterranean who share a millennia-old history of exchange, knowledge, and a common cultural heritage. The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Federica Fiore, head of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) desk, and Dr. Nicoletta Brondi, secretary general of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands. Representatives of the diplomatic corps from Spain, Greece, Croatia, Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, and Palestine also spoke at the awards ceremony, confirming the event’s strong international character. The competition was also supported by Eurofins, a leading company in the food safety sector, and by representatives of Gastrvrij Rotterdam, one of the most renowned food festivals in the Netherlands.