World Olive Day 2024: Celebrating 30 Years of the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid

Madrid, 21 November 2024 — The International Olive Council (IOC), in partnership with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Mediterranean diet pyramid during the World Olive Day 2024 celebration. The event will take place on 21 November at the CSIC headquarters in Madrid and will also be available via streaming.

World Olive Day 2024 will honour the contributions of the Mediterranean diet and the olive tree to human health and environmental sustainability. The event will feature presentations from leading international scientists. Opening speeches were delivered by Luis Planas, Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food; Eloisa del Pino, President of CSIC; Teodoro Miano, Secretary General of the CIHEAM; and Jaime Lillo, Executive Director of the IOC. Discussions then focused on the history of CSIC's research on olive oil, the evolution of the Mediterranean diet pyramid, and the latest findings on its health benefits.

World Olive Day 2024 was aimed at raising awareness on the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the Mediterranean diet, recognizing its significance not only for human health but also for sustainable food production in the context of global challenges such as climate change.

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During his address, Teodoro Miano highlighted the Mediterranean Diet as a cornerstone for fostering sustainable food systems in the region. Emphasizing its multifaceted benefits, he explained how the diet bridges producers and consumers by prioritizing local, seasonal, and traditional foods. Its core principles of frugality and moderation, he noted, serve as powerful tools to combat food waste and reduce environmental impacts.

Miano also highlighted the importance of olive oil, especially Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), not only as a nutritional treasure but also as a symbol of cultural heritage and environmental sustainability. Addressing the region’s unique challenges, such as climate change and resource pressures, he stressed the capacity of the Mediterranean Diet to promote resilience, sustainability, and equity.

He concluded his speech with a compelling call to action: “By embracing the Mediterranean Diet, we can foster sustainable food systems, address inequalities, and contribute to achieving to the 2030 Agenda".

Discover the full speech here