Nov. 27 – Italian olive oil bets on the Russian market: Italy, with about 4,500 tons of olive oil produced in 2012, occupies the second place in Russia as supplier of virgin olive oils. The product recorded a growth of 15 % since 2011, and holds a market share of 23%. In the early months of 2013 there was a slight slowdown, partly due to a “contagion” effect from the Eurozone: the most recent estimates predict Russia’s GDP to grow less than 3%. These figures were revealed during the seminar on the world market for olive oil held by Unaprol in Moscow as per contract for the supply of extra virgin olive with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. The initiative coincides with the Vinitaly Russia, organized by VeronaFiere. The participating businesses were Redoro Frantoi Veneti di Grezzana (Vr), Società Agricola Trevi il Frantoio di Trevi (Pg), Oleificio Guglielmi di Andria (Bat), Oleificio Cooperativo Paladino di Palo del Colle (Ba); Lucchi e Guastalli (La Spezia) and Accademia Olearia (Alghero). The goal is to raise awareness for a different, high-quality product among local buyers and members. “Russian consumers – said Unaprol in a statement – are attracted to unique products and quality. In this context, Italian extra virgin olive oils are recognized for their added value. In a recent survey among consumers, it emerges that over 40% of them associate with the term tasty food and wine products of Italian origin, and 25 % believe Italian products are of high quality.”