Regional Institute of Wine and Oil

In Catania the first incoming BtoB meeting organized by IRVO between Sicilian olive growers and buyers from the Gulf countries

At the Palazzo della Cultura in Catania, IRVO presented with satisfaction the first incoming BtoB appointment which has the purpose of create commercial synergies with expanding markets. An innovative and pragmatic approach that the Institute has supported with foresight for promote the export of excellence of the territory and create valuable relationships between Sicilian companies and foreign buyers. 

IRVO and the strategic hospitality of Catania

The collaboration between IRVO and the administration of the City of Catania is fundamental, with the aim of becoming an increasingly important hub. develop synergies where tourism, culture and commerce meet, as underlined during the institutional greetings by the Councilor with delegations for Public Education, School Buildings, Agriculture, Sea and Fishing, Andrea Guzzardi. An added value that makes the Catania area a fertile place for future collaborations.

IRVO and the construction of valuable relationships to promote Sicily as a European gastronomic destination 2025: the statement of the commissioner Giuseppa Mistretta

«IRVO plays a central role in promoting the production of Sicilian wine and oil, both by supporting the participation of companies in sector events, and by co-participating and providing concrete support to incoming initiatives and the development of wine tourism on the island.
I was pleased to note that from this business meeting relationships were also born between people. An additional motivation for our Institute to encourage initiatives of this type, which contribute to the affirmation of Sicilian culture on the international scene.»

The Gulf Countries, a market interested in Made in Sicily

Today's meeting was attended by buyers from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan who, in recent days, visited the companies and met the producers. The commercial interest meets the value one: «The visit was great, we met many companies and representatives and it was essential to see the production for appreciate the value of Sicilian oil and understand its extremely high quality,” comments Adil Nofal of Vision Ambassadors, an exporter from the United Arab Emirates.

The interest in Sicilian oil is also very strong among other buyers who choose it due to the expansion of the Italian restaurant sector of excellence in the Gulf countries: «There is a great demand for Italian olive oil and, in particular, Sicilian – says Besher Zarnaji of the Tredos company, from Qatar – both in the Ho.Re.Ca. sector and in retail distribution». And beyond the commercial need, what strikes foreign buyers is the Sicilian hospitality and welcome: «The entrepreneurs of the Island do not want to talk about price, but tell the story of their product. A sign of great passion for agriculture and oil in particular", is the thought of Marysa Gedeon of Truebell Food in Dubai.

Sicilian producers and the strength of collaboration with IRVO

For the oil producers present at the event, the collaboration with IRVO is of fundamental strategic importance: «Following the Institute's indications means opening ourselves up to new business opportunities. The common goal is to expand our market and become an international point of reference for those looking for excellent products, like our oil", declares the entrepreneur Alfio Consoli.
Carmen Bonfante of EvoSicily adds: «This meeting is a great opportunity for us and for our product which fits well with the needs of the Gulf countries market, where the request for excellent oil it is high because it is considered a food and not a simple condiment".