The Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission, IP (CCDR Algarve, IP) prepares the new edition of the “Innovation Award – Mediterranean Diet”, an initiative that aims to promote the valorization of the Mediterranean diet as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting innovation in the region’s agrifice sector.
Launched last year, under the Mediterranean Diet Fair in Tavira, the award is promoted in articulation with the municipality of Tavira, the In-Loco Association-which bridges with the producers represented at the fair-and with the support of the Mutual Agricultural Credit Box, the entity responsible for the three monetary awards.
Open to all producers, projects or companies represented at the fair, the prize aims to recognize and disseminate proposals with an innovative character aligned with the principles of the Mediterranean diet, also promoting its environmental, economic and social sustainability.
In the first edition, the winners presented creative solutions that respect traditional practices and contribute to a more balanced and sustainable food model. One of the prominent projects was that of the company, from São Brás de Alportel, which reached 3rd place with an innovative proposal for the treatment of waste generated in the production of olive oil.
According to the company, the project consisted of the acquisition of two reservoirs (grooves) to store the lagar’s slams, allowing eliminating stops in the production process and avoiding environmental impacts. Pecoliva was a pioneer at the regional level in this approach, which represents a significant improvement in the efficiency of the mill.
The history of the company dates back to 1977, when it has acquired an existing lagar since the 1940s. The brand “Sabor do Sul” was created in 2010 and includes oils and cups of fig and arbutus. Recent innovation resulted from a large investment, and, as management, “the award represents another recognition for the developed effort than for the financial value”, taking into account the high costs associated with the activity.
Currently, the company does not foresee new short -term investments due to the recent modernization effort, but underlines the importance of ensuring response capacity in high production, increasingly rare due to the dry climate and the prevalence of traditional rainfed olive groves in the Algarve.
Regarding the future of the sector, Pecoliva highlights the need for greater training in water management for agricultural production, noting that “there are promising projects, such as the use of wastewater and desalination.”
The 2025 edition of the prize will maintain the open participation model, being possible for the public to vote in the finalist projects, with a weight of 30% in the decision. Evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation, economic viability, market adequacy and environmental and social sustainability.
Also read:
