GI for Mendoza's extra virgin olive oil

By Estudio Chaloupka

The National Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Argentina announced that the extra virgin olive oil produced in the Western province of Mendoza will receive Protected Geographical Indication (GI) status in June 2022.

“For olive producers of Mendoza, the GI will mean the possibility of generating added value to their products, promote its growth through the implementation of a strategic plan and facilitating the optimization of resources”, said Valentina Navarro Canafoglia, Director of Agriculture of Mendoza.

After a long process by Mendoza’s producers, the GI was finally approved on May 17, 2022 at the 9th meeting of the National Advisory Commission on Geographical Indications and Appellations of Origin.

According to the official notice published by the National Ministry of Agriculture, the area delimited for the GI includes the departments of Lavalle, Las Heras, Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, Guaymallén, San Martín, Junín, Rivadavia, Santa Rosa, La Paz, Godoy Cruz, San Rafael and General Alvear.

To qualify for protected status, the extra virgin olive oils must be produced using a minimum of 20 percent to a maximum of 50 percent of the native Arauco variety. The remainder of the oil must include Frantoio, Arbequina, Farga, Coratina, Picual or Koroneiki olives.

The recognition is a key tool for Mendoza’s agriculture and economy, as olive oils GI’s are a globally precious and desired tool, allowing for differentiation strategies in a powerful and challenged market.