On May 27th, 2025, the Watson project held its first workshop dedicated to the Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) use case, titled: “Traceability of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: genetic and digital tools for a safe value chain”.
Organised online and hosted by our partner Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBBR-CNR), the event brought together over 40 participants, including researchers, technology providers, producers, consumers and consumer associations, to explore how Watson is addressing authenticity and traceability challenges in the EVOO sector using a combination of genetic tools and advanced digital technologies.
A deep dive into the EVOO pilot
Dr. Nicolò Cultrera (IBBR-CNR) opened the workshop with a welcome note and an overview of our project, followed by an introduction to the pilot partners.
Dr. Eleni Chatzidimitriou (reframe.food), Watson Work Package 5 Leader, presented the project’s pilot objectives and validation campaigns, setting the stage for a series of insightful presentations.
Dr. Cultrera then detailed the approach taken in the EVOO pilot to safeguard product authenticity, focusing on the integration of low-cost, rapid molecular tools and digital technologies to protect high-value olive oil from mislabelling and quality concerns.
Technology and traceability in action
Throughout the session, various Watson partners provided concrete insights into the tools being developed and tested across the EVOO value chain:
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Dr. Laura Buratti (Aprol Umbria) and Antonella Meyer-Masciulli (MITERA GmbH) discussed the engagement of farmers and mills in the pilot and how local producers are actively contributing to innovation on the ground.
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Dr. Stelios Arhondakis (BioCoS) introduced DNA-based traceability tools that are shaping the future of authentication in the olive oil industry.
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Prof. Andreas Papadakis (SYNELIXIS) addressed interoperability, ensuring that data from diverse infrastructures and services can seamlessly collaborate.
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Dr. Nikoleta Tsampanaki (Netcompany-Intrasoft) presented the Digital Food Product Passport, which offers real-time, user-friendly access to key product information for stakeholders and consumers.
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Dr. Nikos Chachampis (UBITECH) introduced our Early Warning System designed to detect potential risks and irregularities in the EVOO supply chain.
A consumer-centric approach
The final presentation came from Dr. Silvia Landi (Unione Nazionale Consumatori), who emphasised the essential role of consumers in Watson.
By making trustworthy, transparent information accessible, our project empowers consumers to make informed choices and reinforces confidence in certified products.
The workshop closed with an open discussion session, during which participants exchanged ideas and reflections on the value of integrating diverse technologies in pursuit of a more trustworthy and transparent olive oil sector.
As Watson continues to test and refine its pilot activities, workshops like this are crucial for sharing knowledge, strengthening collaboration and ensuring that innovation reaches every corner of the food value chain, from producers to consumers.
Stay tuned for more updates on Watson’s EVOO pilot and upcoming workshops across other agri-food sectors!