Olive delivery deadline extended to within 6 hours, a chorus of yes: “Now a definitive solution”
The Italian Olive Oil Mills Association (AIFO), Assofrantoi, and Italia Olivicol welcome the extension until 2027 of the so-called "six-hour" rule, which governs olive delivery times from traders to mills.
The measure comes just before the start of the new olive oil campaign and following calls from industry organizations to ensure that the provision's implementation does not introduce further challenges during an already challenging phase for the sector.
The six-hour limit risked making it difficult to transport olives over medium and long distances, restricting the mills' supply base and, at the same time, the potential buyers for olive growers. This difficulty would have added to the tensions already affecting the oil market and the significant stocks still in the tanks of many operators.
"The extension is a good thing: our requests have been heard and further difficulties have been avoided right at the start of the new campaign," said Alberto Amoroso, president of AIFO. "Now we're using the time available to identify a suitable deadline and definitively resolve the issue, without once again approaching the deadline."
"For the mills, this is an important response, and it comes at the right time," emphasizes Paolo Mariani, president of Assofrantoi. "Now we need to develop a framework that takes into account the actual operation of the plants and the dynamics of olive supply."
"Teamwork pays off and leads to tangible results," says Gennaro Sicolo, president of Italia Olivicola. "Producers and millers have worked together to address a concrete challenge and have received a response. We will continue this approach to strengthen and protect the entire Italian olive oil supply chain."
The extension addresses the urgent need on the eve of the new campaign. Discussions must now begin immediately, to reach a definitive solution well in advance.
