International Olive Council seeks greater ‘transparency’

The need for more transparency in the olive oil market and for uniformity on olive oil tariff codes were among key issues discussed at the 99th session of the International Olive Council’s Council of Members, held at the IOC’s Madrid headquarters from November 21-25. IOC Executive Director Jean-Louis Barjol said that actions in response to these issues would include a new data base of historical prices and a joint project with the World Customs Organization on the harmonization of tariff codes. As it stands, the WCO classifications vary from the IOC ones and do not differentiate between virgin extra and virgin olive oil. Are we perhaps starting to see the global industry marching to the same drum – Ed?