Catalan extra virgin olive oils win over Mexico with a tasting of the five PDOs

Within the framework of Catalonia's distinction as World Region of Gastronomy 2025, Prodeca and the Government of Catalonia's Delegation in Mexico have organised a tasting of Catalan extra virgin olive oils in Mexico City. The activity, held on Thursday 23 October at the Delegation's Espai Catalunya, brought together some twenty professionals from the Mexican gastronomy sector, including sommeliers, opinion leaders, chefs, representatives of hotels and restaurants, and managers of specialist shops and retailers.

The event brought the personality of Catalan olive oils and their link with the territory closer to Mexican opinion leaders and professionals. The activity was led by sommelier Mirell Riviello, a renowned olive oil expert, who guided attendees through a sensory tasting of the products protected under the five Catalan Protected Designations of Origin (PDO): Siurana, Les Garrigues, Baix Ebre-Montsià, Terra Alta and Empordà.

During the session, participants discovered the great variety of aromas, textures and nuances that characterise Catalan oils, the result of a unique combination of landscape, climate, native olive varieties and traditional know-how. Each PDO presented its own identity and its connection with Mediterranean cuisine, showing the richness of a product that is an emblem of the Mediterranean diet and a symbol of Catalan gastronomic culture.

Alongside the guided session, five tables were set up with samples of Catalan oils available on the Mexican market, giving attendees the chance to learn first-hand about their availability and commercial presence in the country. This action helped strengthen ties between Catalan producers and the Mexican gastronomy and retail sector, contributing to their international projection.

Mexico, a benchmark market for the Catalan agrifood sector

This action is part of Prodeca's strategy to promote Catalan products as a benchmark of authenticity, quality and sustainability in key international markets such as Mexico, especially for value-added products such as extra virgin olive oil, and it forms part of the promotion programme that  strengthens Catalonia's presence as World Region of Gastronomy on the international stage. The growing interest in Mediterranean cuisine and healthy gastronomy opens up opportunities for Catalan brands committed to quality, traceability and certified origin.

The Mexican professionals attending the session highlighted the elegance, versatility and ability of Catalan extra virgin olive oils to enrich any culinary proposal. The experience consolidated the positioning of Catalan oils as a product premium in a market of great potential for the Catalan agrifood sector.