EVOOlution
the evolution of Extra Virgin Olive Oils
Supporting Olive Oil investment and quality improvement
OLIVE OIL PILOT PROJECT 2025
Within the Albanian Ministry of Agriculture project (olive oil cluster in Berat) promoted by World Bank and CRAD, in 2025, a pilot initiative was launched aimed at enhancing the quality, traceability, and identity of olive oil production in the Berat region — an area historically renowned for its ancient olive groves and distinctive cultivars. The project involved collaboration with two selected mills (frantoi) to test and refine a shared production protocol for the creation of a premium of a pilot extra virgin olive oil: “Ambassador of Berat.”
Phase 1 – Technical Visits and Assessment
The first stage of the project focused on on-site visits to the participating mills to assess existing technologies and operating practices.
During these visits, we initiated the extension of the production specifications, working closely with local producers to define shared standards for olive selection, milling, and oil preservation.
Phase 2 – Field Visit and Ripening Assessment
In September 2025, a field mission was carried out across three olive groves in Berat representing the main local and introduced varieties: Leccino, Frantoio, and Grande di Berat.
The team conducted detailed observations on the ripening stage (invaiatura) and the overall condition of the canopy and fruit load, in order to determine the optimal harvest window.
This assessment provided the scientific basis for the pilot production calendar.
Phase 3 – Drafting of the Production Specification
Following the technical and agronomic assessments, the team developed the first version of the production specification (see below)
Phase 4 – Harvest and Milling
The olive harvest took place on October 1, 2025, in accordance with the approved specifications. Selected olives were delivered to the participating mills, where pressing and milling operations began on October 2, 2025.
The result wasthe first pilot production of extra virgin olive oil “Ambassador of Berat”, marking a milestone in the valorization of Berat’s olive-growing heritage.
MASTERCLASS 2024
Three sessions for updating and improving Olive Oil selection and processing techniques. in collaboration with Italian Embassy in Tirana. A tasting and cook show event durinh the week of Italian Cuisine in the World in collaboration with Casa Artusi and Aeca
Expertise and advisors from leading Olive Oil companies and consortia in Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany
Session 1
A Masterclass experience
A unique opportunity to gain knowledge on updated agronomic and industrial practices for a sustainable olive oil production and commercialisation
Session 2
A dialogue between Albanian and Italian Olive Oil experts
An opportunity to connect with Italian experts and prospect investors for future production and commercial joint ventures
Session 3
Extra Vergin Olive Oil panel sensory test session
Learning and applying Quality and chracaterisation criteria according to IOC standards. Extra Vergin Olive Oil panel sensory test session
OLIVE OIL CONFERENCE 2024
This event took place in September 2024 and was promoted and organised by Tecnhopole Forlì-Cesena in collaboration with Emilia-Romagna Agrifood Cluster and Agriculture University of Tirana with the collaboration of Crono Servizi and Antares
Expertise and advisors from leading Olive Oil companies and consortia in Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany gathered together with Albanian experts and producers
A portfolio of expertise and competence
Our portfolio of advisors and experts offers a comprehensive suite of expertise to cover all aspects of Olive Oil Value chain from agronomic aspects, nursery and cultivar selection to harvesting, processing and distribution and geographic identity.
Our advisory group portfolio
- The advisory group is designed based on in-depth analysis of the Albanian value chain currently led by Crono consultancy and Antares research
“olive oil in the extra virgin segment is distinguished from any food by the functional and organoleptic characteristics that the raw material imparts to the final product.”
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EVOOlution 