Calgary, October 28, 2025 – The international training program promoted by Ecceamerica continues in Canada. Ecceamerica is a promotion project co-financed by the European Union under EU Regulation 1144/2014, created to promote European organic extra virgin olive oil and organic wines in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

On October 27, 2025, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary hosted two masterclasses dedicated to the culture of European organic extra virgin olive oil, involving students from the Culinary Arts program, faculty, and food & beverage industry professionals participating in the department’s continuing education and extension courses. The two afternoon sessions transformed SAIT’s classrooms into a forum for discussion and in-depth exploration of the major themes currently driving the evolution of the international agri-food sector: sustainability, traceability, biodiversity, and certified quality.

The sessions were led by Maurizio Terrigno, a professional and trainer in the restaurant industry who has been dedicated for years to promoting Italian food and agricultural excellence in North America and Canada. Through guided tastings and in-depth technical and cultural discussions, participants were able to explore not only the sensory characteristics of European organic extra virgin olive oil, but also the cultural and production heritage that defines its authenticity and value. The sessions highlighted the growing interest of the North American public in European quality systems and in production models based on environmental sustainability and supply chain transparency. An open dialogue between the academic world and European agri-food culture allowed participants to delve deeper into topics that are increasingly central to the training of new generations of food professionals.

The in-depth sessions on the science of olive oil, varietal biodiversity, and European food culture were particularly well-received, with participants viewing them as a rare and valuable contribution to North American culinary education programs. The activities also fostered direct exchange among students, instructors, and industry professionals, reinforcing awareness of the value of certified European organic products.

The training initiatives carried out as part of the program involved a total of over 120 direct participants, helping to improve their sensory and cultural knowledge of European organic extra virgin olive oil and reinforcing the reputation of the European product as a symbol of authenticity, quality, and sustainability.

Ecceamerica, organized by UNAPROL – Italian Olive Consortium and CAP – Confederation of Portuguese Farmers, continues its commitment to building a cultural bridge between Europe and North America, promoting greater awareness of European organic products and the values of quality, authenticity, and sustainability that set them apart.

For more information on the Ecceamerica Project, visit the official website https://ecceamerica.eu/ and follow the Facebook and Instagram pages to stay up to date on events, content, and insights.