Surpassing the 200,000-tonne mark in the 2025/26 campaign and buoyed by the UNESCO recognition of Cucina Italiana, the definitive trade fair for EVOO returns to Verona this March with a revamped B2B2C format.
Following a successful solo debut last year, SOL Expo 2026 returns to Veronafiere from March 1-3, cementing its status as the premier international showcase for the Italian olive oil supply chain.
Consolidating its independence after a 28-year tenure alongside Vinitaly, the standalone format delivers a specialized platform dedicated entirely to the journey from olive tree to table. The 2026 edition arrives at a pivotal moment for the sector, strengthened by a production campaign that has successfully exceeded the 200,000-tonne milestone and energized by the recent UNESCO recognition of Cucina Italiana as Intangible Cultural Heritage—a global achievement in which extra virgin olive oil plays a starring role.
As Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere, affirms: “Olive oil is a fundamental language of our gastronomic identity. The UNESCO recognition validates a collective heritage in which Extra Virgin Olive Oil acts as a cardinal element. At SOL Expo, we aim to narrate oil in all its forms, engaging both catering professionals and consumers.”
A Strategic Hub for the Global Trade
Leveraging a B2B2C structure unique to the Italian landscape, SOL Expo creates a unified ecosystem where business, education, and discovery converge. The format is engineered to connect industry professionals with discerning consumers and a rising generation of enthusiasts, championing the global symbol of Made in Italy excellence.
A powerful roster of ten production regions has already confirmed presence, creating a comprehensive map of Italian biodiversity: Veneto, Tuscany, Sicily, Lazio, Basilicata, Emilia-Romagna, Calabria, Puglia, Umbria, and Campania.
The fair’s business vocation remains aggressive. Through a partnership with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), Verona will host over 80 top-tier buyers from key strategic markets. The incoming programme targets delegates from the USA, Japan, Germany, and China, alongside significant representation from North Europe, the CIS countries, and the Gulf States.
On the domestic front, the event reinforces the supply chain dialogue with the Horeca sector through alliances with key trade associations FIPE and FIEPET, alongside the FIC (Italian Federation of Chefs) and AIRO (International Association of Oil Restaurants).
2026 Harvest Report: Resilience and Real-Time Dat
Technical analysis released by SOL Expo (based on SIAN data extrapolated on December 10) regarding the ongoing 2025/26 campaign reveals a complex picture of resilience. Despite climatic challenges slowing operations across the Mediterranean—with harvest activities extending well beyond January—national production has surpassed the psychological threshold of 200,000 tonnes.
The data highlights a distinct North-South divide, with 85% of total volume generated by Central and Southern Italy.
The Powerhouses: Puglia, Sicily, and Calabria account for 72% of the national output. In Puglia, where the harvest is currently only at the halfway mark, yields are already approaching 2024/25 levels. Sicily has recorded a remarkable 54% increase over the previous campaign, while Calabria holds firm as the third national power with 26,000 tonnes.
The Centre-North: Conversely, the Centre-North faces a sharp contraction due to biological alternation following last year’s record, adverse flowering conditions, and olive fly attacks. Regions such as Tuscany, Lazio, and Umbria are seeing production drops of up to 50%. Friuli-Venezia Giulia stands as the lone exception in the north, celebrating a production increase.
Education and Experience
“The olive sector requires a strategic, multidimensional platform,” notes Adolfo Rebughini, General Manager of Veronafiere. “SOL Expo answers this need by combining commercial dimensions with technical content.”
Beyond the trade floor, the programme features high-level masterclasses, guided tastings, and a focus on olive oil-based natural cosmetics. Looking to the future, the new Kids Area debuts with sensory labs and educational paths designed to introduce the next generation to the culture of quality oil.