San Felice Olive Oil Exhibition Highlights Growth and Regional Promotion
The fourth edition of the “Regional Exhibition of Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil” was officially inaugurated yesterday in San Felice del Benaco, attracting tourism and gastronomic operators, producers, and visitors from various locations within the province and the region; moreover, the event had already opened its doors on Friday at the “Palazzo Monte di Pietà” in piazza del Municipio.
Opening Ceremony and Presenting Authorities
The ribbon was cut by Hon. Francesco Ferrari, president of the Agriculture Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, surrounded by other authorities: the president of the Comunità del Garda, Adelio Zanelli; the president of the Interregional Association of Lombard Olive Oil Producers (Aipol), Giovanni Mazzoldi; the president of the Ateneo di Salò, Vittorio Pirlo; and Emilio Alberto Pancera, head of the Ente Vini Bresciani (who is also an olive oil producer in Valtenesi).
The mayor of San Felice, Ambrogio Florioli, welcomed attendees and highlighted that the exhibition was created with the aim of promoting olive cultivation.
Objectives and Results of the Exhibition
“This year, it has reached its fourth edition, achieving significant results, including the presence of the Cooperative Olive Mill for olive pressing, which groups together over 250 producers.”
The president of the organizing committee, Giovanni Mazzoldi (who is also president of Aipol as well as of the Cooperative Olive Mill), underlined the success of the conferences, which featured scientific and naturalistic interest, as well as folkloric events with marching bands through various farms in the area, where visitors could taste products made with olive oil, thanks to the efforts of local housewives.
Hon. Francesco Ferrari emphasized “the importance of man’s work dedicated to the olive and oil production, a work that is appreciated through these exhibitions that showcase the quality achieved through the farmers’ sacrifices, for a product vital to gastronomy that is directly linked to tourism.”
Participation of Companies
About forty Lombard companies responded to the call from Aipol and the organizers, presenting their olive oils, some with tastings and guided samplings.