The excellence of European extra virgin olive oil takes centre stage once again in Switzerland

Switzerland, 9 February 2026 – From 9 February to 26 March 2026, a selection of restaurants in Switzerland will host special promotional weeks dedicated to European PDO and PGI certified extra virgin olive oil, with the aim of highlighting its quality, versatility in the kitchen and central role in contemporary gastronomy.

The initiative forms part of the ECCEUKCH project – Excellence in European Olive Growing in the UK and Switzerland, co-funded by the European Union.
The three-year programme, promoted by the Tuscan Association of Olive Growers OL.MA. S.a.c. (OP OLMA), OP Latium and the EAC – Association of Exporters of Crete, has as its main objective to increase awareness and consumption of European PDO and PGI certified extra virgin olive oil in two strategic markets: the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Through information and promotion activities, the project aims to highlight the values of quality, traceability and tradition that distinguish European EVO.

Extra virgin olive oil is a fundamental ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, appreciated not only for its organoleptic qualities but also for its versatility: from use as a raw ingredient to enhance flavours and raw materials, to its use in cooking for both traditional and innovative dishes.
In Switzerland, olive oil is becoming increasingly prevalent in gastronomy and dietary habits: according to an article published by Corriere dell’Economia, the country ranks among the main destination markets for European olive oil, with imports from the Mediterranean region playing a significant role. This is accompanied by a growing cultural and gastronomic interest in the product; according to the research project on organic olive cultivation in Switzerland promoted by FiBL – the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, the growing interest in new olive groves in the country confirms the development potential of this sector even in latitudes previously considered marginal.

Participating venues and tasting experiences

During the promotional period, the participating restaurants will offer tastings and dishes dedicated to European extra virgin olive oil, designed to introduce customers to its aromatic profiles, food pairings and culinary uses. The participating venues are:

• Ristorante 10′ al lago – Fischmarktplatz, 8640, Rapperswil
• Osteria almero Gastro – Fischmarktplatz, 8640, Rapperswil
• dieci Pizzakurier Rapperswil – Bahnhofstrasse 20, 8640 Rapperswil-Jona
• dieci Restaurant Dietlikon – Alte Dübendorferstrasse 17, 8305 Dietlikon
• Sankt Verena Chalet Paradiso – Strählgasse 1, 8832 Wollerau
• Alessandro Leschär – Rapperswilerstrasse 28, 8630 Rüti
• LO! Im Kreuz – St. Gallerstrasse 30, 8654 Jona

The promotional weeks offer a unique opportunity to discover and taste the excellence of European extra virgin olive oil in high-quality gastronomic settings. All interested parties are invited to take part in the scheduled activities and embark on a journey of taste and discovery.

To stay up to date with the latest news on upcoming EcceUKCH project initiatives, please visit the official website https://ecceukch.eu/ and follow the project on Facebook and Instagram.