Les Borges Blanques Olive Oil Fair kicks off with good prospects despite low production

The 28th edition of the Olive Oil Fair in Les Borges Blanques, western Catalonia, kicked off on Friday with promising prospects despite low yields.  

The three-day event will host 37 olive oil producers and has expanded its exhibition space to 5,800 square meters.  

The fair coincides with the end of another challenging season, with olive yields down by up to 40% compared to normal years due to prolonged drought.  

Despite this, the quality remains exceptional and producers expect demand to remain strong.  

"It's the most expensive oil, but it's the best," said Enric Dalmau, president of the Les Garrigues Protected Designation of Origin (DOP). 

Chef Pep Nogué, who received this year's Olive Oil Culture Award, called for choosing local olive oil as a form of political and cultural action.  

"Every day we make a political choice when we shop, choosing between a refined seed oil transported 2,000 kilometers and a locally produced Catalan extra virgin olive oil," he said.  

Marta Angerri, Director General of the Catalan Government's Department of Trade, highlighted the immense effort made by local producers to create top quality products and stressed the importance of effective marketing to ensure consumers appreciate their value.  

Since last year, the fair has welcomed producers from a variety of regions and olive varieties, although Arbequina remains the most prominent.  

This year, eight producers from the Pallars region are participating for the first time, presenting more than 30 indigenous varieties of oil.  

The program also includes tastings, technical workshops and live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs.