21st Edition of the University Title in Virgin Olive Oil Tasting

The course will run from 25 September to 19 December 2024

Last week, the University of Jaén (UJA), a key IOC partner, inaugurated the 21st edition of the University Title in Virgin Olive Oil Tasting. This edition welcomes thirty students, supported by IOC scholarships, from twelve IOC member countries: Algeria, Argentina, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, and Türkiye. The programme, which has been running since the 1997/98 academic year, immerses participants in the world of olive oil, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the entire life cycle of this unique product, from farm to table.

The richness of the course’s content was emphasised by Catarina Bairrao Balula, Head of the IOC’s Technical Cooperation and Training Department, during the inauguration ceremony of this 21st edition last Friday, 26 September, at the UJA headquarters. Accompanied by the Vice-Rector for Strategy and Digital University, Juan Martínez, the Course Director, Sebastián Sánchez, as well as the Technical Director, Marino Úceda and the Coordinator, Alberto Moya, the IOC representative commended the University for its ongoing efforts. She highlighted the importance of the course in bringing together olive oil enthusiasts from around the world for a three-month intensive programme that will deepen their knowledge of olive oil and promote the sharing of experiences and intercultural dialogue.

The Director Sánchez thanked the IOC for its ongoing support, highlighting that the course encompasses all aspects of the olive oil production chain, from tree to consumer. He emphasised that a good taster must understand both the olive grove and mill levels, with training consisting of technical classes and visits to production areas, including olive groves, harvests, mills, and research centres.

Vice-Rector Martínez also expressed gratitude, particularly to the IOC and the Course Directors, noting that over 600 participants have attended the training, which has become an international benchmark due to the UJA’s focus on the olive sector and the IOC’s support.