DNA Traceability and PDO/PGI EVOO
The Olive Oil market is unceasingly growing, expected to reach a value of €17.6 billion by 2030. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) represents an important segment of this industry, well-established and renowned for its health benefits and positive impact in people’s lives, hosting two subcategories; PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication). PDO/PGI is more than just another EVOO product. It is profoundly connected to our heritage, culture, and local societies. According to a 2020 European Commission study, PDO/PGI EVOO reaches €277 million each year, and at present 133 EVOO from 7 countries in the EU are estimated to exist.
EVOO consists the cornerstone of the Mediterranean culinary culture, while it is classified as the main source of economic income (highly valuable) for our local communities. On top of that, its benefits for human health make its protection and valorization mandatory. This became more evident when an unfortunate fraudulent action took place in 2016, that affected its reputation. Moreover, protection against threats such as climate changes, for example, drought, wildfires, or changes in the ecology of a region.
DNA-based Traceability apart from a state-of-the-art technology that ensures the integrity and purity of an EVOO label, also helps producers to tell the authentic story of their PDO/PGI EVOO. Beyond that, it actively supports the conservation and characterization of these precious olive trees by unraveling their genetic secrets. This represents a step closer to optimizing strategies for future cultivation and mitigating climatic threats.
In BioCoS we envision a future where DNA Authentication and Traceability can bring positive adaptations for both society and the environment. Supporting local producers in valorizing their produce, increasing the value of local varieties while safeguarding agrobiodiversity.
Olive Oil DNA Traceability is the first building block for true and meaningful sustainable production – fulfilling our moral obligation to preserve biodiversity.
What’s in it for your brand?
In addition to the direct marketing and branding benefits of a DNA Traceable EVOO, companies can reduce the risk of the unintentional introduction of substandard batches or fraudulent actions against them, and improve transparency of supply chain management. The latter translates into reducing the risk of errors, ensuring the integrity of their products, and minimizing losses.
EVOO DNA Traceability connects the three key elements of a successful brand; Transparency – Trust – Differentiation.
Transparency
At its core, DNA verifies the authenticity and integrity of an EVOO. Exhaustive DNA analysis along the supply chain, from-field-to-bottle, offers label transparency, ensuring consumers that they get what they have paid for.
Consumer Trust
Building consumer trust is a critical component of any successful business, and this is especially true in the olive oil industry, where consumers have become increasingly aware yet impassioned about food transparency and authenticity importance. A study revealed that it takes only a verbal implication of olive oil fraud for consumers to significantly reduce the valuation of an EVOO, reaching up to 50%, affecting mainly high-end EVOO labels. Thus, a DNA Traceable EVOO strengthens this bond of trust, and when coupled with relevant information on cultivation and production practices, helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
Standing Out from the Crowd
DNA Traceability helps olive oil companies differentiate their labels in today’s competitive market. Providing the most fundamental information about the final product – its unique DNA identity. This can be especially appealing to consumers whose purchasing drive depends on the product’s sustainability, along with their social responsibility for environmental issues.
BioCoS is committed to enhancing sustainability in the olive oil sector and is at the forefront of preserving good cultivation practices while supporting our local culture.
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Photo Credits: European Union