QOCO – A Thread of Oil on the Plate

An international competition dedicated to extra virgin olive oil

QOCO – A Thread of Oil on the Plate is the international culinary competition that brings Andria, in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, to life every year in late February in the heart of Puglia. The event focuses on 'Castel del Monte' Terra di Bari PDO extra virgin olive oil, one of the most iconic products of the Andria area, inviting young chefs from across the Mediterranean to interpret it as the true foundation of flavor.

A challenge between ten young chefs

The competition format brings together ten young chefs selected from the 'Allies' of the Slow Food network, hailing from countries such as Spain, Turkey, Albania, Morocco, Romania, Palestine, and Italy. The chefs are judged on a creative dish where high-quality extra virgin olive oil is not merely a condiment, but the star ingredient, evaluated for originality, balance of flavors, and innovative approach.

The program: twinning dinners, competition, and awards

The event spans two days. The first evening is dedicated to Twinning Dinners: the ten competing chefs join forces with local counterparts in city restaurants, preparing four-handed dishes that blend the cuisines of their home countries with Apulian local products.

The following day, the actual competition takes place in the evocative setting of Villa Carafa, a historic Murgia farmhouse just a few kilometers from the famous Castel del Monte. In the evening, the festivities move to the central Piazza Catuma, featuring the public announcement of the winners, new oil tastings at a well-stocked Oil Bar, music, comedy, and entertainment.

The jury and awards

The technical jury is chaired by Oscar Farinetti, supported by Michelin-starred chefs and Italian and international restaurant professionals; the opinion jury is led by local city officials. Alongside the main prize, special awards such as the 'Mediterranean Spirit' and 'Federico II' prizes are presented, celebrating Mediterranean cuisine and the bond with the territory's history.

An identity-defining event for Andria and Puglia

Promoted by the Municipality of Andria together with Slow Food Puglia and the National Association of Oil Cities, QOCO is much more than a culinary competition: it is an opportunity to share the olive-growing identity of Andria, promote the culture of extra virgin olive oil, and transform the entire city into a grand laboratory of taste, spanning restaurants, squares, and farmhouses across Puglia.