TUTTOFOOD: OLEIFICIO ZUCCHI PRESENTS A TASTING OF 100% ITALIAN SUSTAINABLE EVO OIL PAIRED WITH CHEF GORI'S DISHES

Today at TUTTOFOOD, entrepreneur Alessia Zucchi (president and CEO of Oleificio ZucchI SpA SB) invited the press to a guided tasting of Zucchi's 100% Italian Sustainable EVO Oil and a selection of extra virgin olive oils paired with dishes created specifically for the event by renowned chef Paolo Gori (Trattoria da Burde - Florence). It was also an opportunity to analyze the performance of the olive oil sector and the entire agri-food sector, the pinnacle of quality Made in Italy.

TUTTOFOOD is the B2B trade show for the entire agri-food ecosystem. Global and innovative, it is the global reference point for producers and distributors of quality products from the entire food and beverage supply chain. At the event, they meet with buyers with real purchasing power, such as distributors, importers, representatives from the large-scale retail sector, and out-of-home professionals.

During the tasting, Zucchi's 100% Italian sustainable extra virgin olive oil and Zucchi's 100% Italian extra virgin olive oil, each characterized by distinct sensory profiles, were offered. Journalists performed the tastings following the official technique: first, they sniffed the oil (placed in a blue tasting glass, so as not to influence the evaluation, and gently warmed it by hand) to evaluate its aromas and fragrances, followed by tasting a small amount of oil to capture its nuances.

To round out the tasting, participants enjoyed additional oils from the Zucchi range paired with dishes prepared by renowned chef Paolo Gori, who created a unique Tuscan-inspired menu for the occasion.

" We chose to present these extra virgin olive oils because Italian oils represent the excellence of this extraordinary food, which is the basis of our Italian cuisine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, " says Alessia Zucchi , President and CEO of Oleificio Zucchi . " Zucchi's 100% Italian Sustainable Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a flagship product of our product range. Sustainability is an increasingly central theme and represents one of the most important global challenges our society must face to ensure a future for future generations. As a company, we have long been strongly committed to the sustainable development of the sector and we promote growth in terms of quality throughout the supply chain. Consumers, moreover, are increasingly sensitive to these issues and to certified and traceable products. For these reasons, Oleificio Zucchi is resolutely continuing its development path along three closely integrated strategic lines: innovation, sustainability, and brand enhancement."

" Despite US tariffs and severe tensions on international markets, Oleificio Zucchi recorded a turnover of over €330 million in 2025, " continued Alessia Zucchi, President and CEO of Oleificio Zucchi. "Our exports account for 36% of the turnover of the Consumer Business area, and the domestic market naturally continues to be crucial. The context in which we operate is particularly challenging: the contraction in consumption is beginning to be felt even on supermarket shelves, but focusing on quality, transparency, and brand strength is the only viable strategy in turbulent times like the current ones. Much will obviously depend on inflation caused by rising energy costs following the war in Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. We all hope that the conflict in the Middle East ends soon, especially us entrepreneurs because we are positive by nature. The next few weeks will be crucial , " concluded Alessia Zucchi , President and CEO of Oleificio Zucchi.

Quality, transparency, innovation, and sustainability are the core values of Oleificio Zucchi, which have led the company to celebrate significant milestones in the Italian agri-food landscape. Since 2005, Oleificio Zucchi has published an annual Sustainability Report, the result of a dialogue with its stakeholders on the topic of corporate social responsibility. It is committed to excellent product quality, respecting the environment, and promoting long-term sustainable choices. The company contributes to the spread of a new olive oil culture based on informed consumption, benefiting all stakeholders in the supply chain and consumers. True to its core values of comprehensive social and environmental responsibility, in 2017 Oleificio Zucchi launched the first Sustainability Certification specification for the entire extra virgin olive oil supply chain (DTP 125), guaranteed by CSQA. In 2026, Zucchi's 100% Italian Sustainable Extra Virgin Olive Oil evolved with the adoption of the international ISCC Plus standard, which extends sustainability globally, ensuring transparency throughout the entire supply chain, protecting biodiversity, preserving carbon stocks, and certifying responsible agricultural practices. In 2024, the company obtained the Made Green in Italy certification from the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security for its 100% Italian Sustainable EVO oil.

In 2025, Oleificio Zucchi took a further step forward in its corporate social responsibility journey by officially becoming a Benefit Corporation: a legal recognition that confirms the company's commitment to operating transparently, responsibly, and sustainably, generating not only economic but also social and environmental value.

Important results for the historic Cremona oil mill, which for over 215 years has been synonymous with value and expertise in the Italian olive oil sector.

Sustainability represents a real challenge for the agri-food sector, and certification against schemes recognized and promoted by Italian institutions allows for robust and transparent communication of sustainability, making Oleificio Zucchi's commitment tangible. It is also important to work to ensure that consumers appreciate the distinctiveness and added value of 100% Italian sustainable extra virgin olive oil.