Lorolio – Abruzzo Regional Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition
The regional competition dedicated to the excellence of Abruzzo's extra virgin olive oil
About Lorolio
Lorolio, the Abruzzo olive oil competition
Lorolio is the regional competition dedicated to Abruzzo's extra virgin olive oil, held in Loreto Aprutino, a historic village in the province of Pescara considered one of the region's olive oil capitals. The event is hosted at the Regional Olive Oil Library, located within Palazzo Farina, a symbolic site of Abruzzo's olive oil culture.
A long history, a long-awaited return
The competition was founded in 2006, conceived by panel leader and technical manager Marino Giorgetti for the inauguration of the Regional Olive Oil Library. After several editions, the event went on a long hiatus: the edition that returned in May 2026 marked the revival after about fourteen years of absence, bringing the quality of extra virgin olive oil produced in Abruzzo back to the center of attention.
Categories and method
The competing oils are evaluated by a commission of expert tasters from Abruzzo and beyond, according to rigorous sensory criteria. The competition is divided into four main categories:
- Extra Virgin, the broadest selection;
- PDO, reserved for oils with a Protected Designation of Origin, such as Aprutino Pescarese;
- Organic, dedicated to certified productions;
- Monovarietal, for oils obtained from a single cultivar.
More than a competition: culture and territory
Alongside technical tastings, Lorolio offers meetings and reflections on the cultural and economic value of Abruzzo's olive oil, from oleotourism to the chemical and sensory characteristics of local products, and the topic of a possible PGI for Abruzzo olive oil, a tool for traceability and promotion. The awards ceremony, hosted at a local estate, brings together producers, institutions, and enthusiasts.
A heritage of the Municipality and Abruzzo
Organized by the Municipality of Loreto Aprutino with the support of Chambers of Commerce and trade associations, Lorolio represents a defining event for the entire Abruzzo Region: a way to share, through the competition, the olive-growing tradition of a territory where the olive tree has defined the landscape and rural economy for centuries.
Lorolio — edition 2026
Lorolio 2026: the return after 14 years
The eighth edition of Lorolio took place in Loreto Aprutino with technical tastings from May 6 to 8, 2026 and the awards ceremony on Sunday, May 10 at Tenuta Torre Raone. 84 samples presented by 52 companies from all over Abruzzo were in competition, evaluated by the commission coordinated by panel leader Marino Giorgetti.
The winners
Among the award winners, in the Extra Virgin category, Azienda Agricola Marina Palusci excelled with the monovarietal Intosso I-Oil; for the PDO category, Azienda Agricola Sandro Di Giacomo (Aprutino Pescarese PDO) was awarded; in the Organic category, Tommaso Masciantonio; among the Monovarietals, Frantoio Olearius.
Spotlight on the PGI
The edition dedicated significant space to the topic of a future PGI for Abruzzo olive oil, with discussions on the chemical and sensory characteristics of regional productions and the value of oleotourism, in the presence of representatives from the Municipality of Loreto Aprutino and the Abruzzo Region.
Programme Lorolio 2026
2026 Program
- May 6-8: tasting and evaluation sessions of the samples by the commission of tasters;
- Sunday, May 10, Tenuta Torre Raone: awards ceremony with greetings from Mayor Renato Mariotti, technical speeches on the characteristics of Abruzzo olive oil, reflections on olive oil and oleotourism, and the announcement of the winners in the four categories.
Highlights Lorolio 2026
- Eighth edition, return after about 14 years;
- 84 samples in competition from 52 Abruzzo companies;
- Four categories: extra virgin, PDO, organic, monovarietal;
- Focus on the PGI candidacy for Abruzzo olive oil.
Prices Lorolio 2026
Practical information — Lorolio
How to get there
Loreto Aprutino is located in the hinterland of the province of Pescara. By car, it can be reached from the A14 motorway (Pescara-Ovest/Chieti exit) or the A25, continuing along provincial roads towards the hilly interior. The reference railway station is Pescara Centrale, from where you can continue by bus or car.
Venue
The event is based at the Regional Olive Oil Library, inside Palazzo Farina, in the historic center of Loreto Aprutino. The awards ceremony takes place at a local estate.
Tips
The village of Loreto Aprutino is worth a visit for its historic center, olive mills, and local olive oil companies; it is advisable to check dates and participation methods in advance, as the competition's schedule has not been regular over time.
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Where does it take place — Lorolio
Biblioteca Regionale dell'Olio - Palazzo Farina