Olive oil and wine were the two big attractions at the just-concluded SIAL China, reports China Wines Information Online. As different as wine and olive oil are, they also share similarities – and if there are wine connoisseurs, there are also olive oil connoisseurs.

In terms of business and image, olive oil is taking the same route as wine – progressing from a “simple” condiment into a product held in high regard for infinite flavours and strong links with territory of origin, as well as its benefits for health.

For the third year in succession, SIAL China, in cooperation with the International Olive Oil Council (IOOC), organised a unique olive oil competition called OlivAsia. The rules and organisation of the tastings for the competition were based on international standards set by the IOOC to determine the quality of each competing olive oil on the basis of different factors such as the type and blend of olives, fruit maturity and harvest, production, pressing and storage.

SIAL China was held in Shanghai on May 10-12, 2007. This year, Habib Essid, IOOC Executive Director, participated in the event for the first time and presided over the awards ceremony. Christine Cheylan, President, OlivAsia, was also present.

For two days before the eighth edition of SIAL China officially opened, an international jury tasted over 85 different olive oils from 13 nations and selected 10 winners in three categories. The results were announced at the opening ceremony of SIAL China.