Date: July 13, 2023

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – The Netherlands became the epicenter of olive oil industry insights as the ARTOLIO Platform Study Tour unfolded from July 10 to July 13, 2023. This immersive event focused on understanding the Dutch market and introducing the cutting-edge ARTOLIO platform, fostering discussions among experts, sellers, wholesalers, and consumers.

Day 1 – Monday 10/07/2023:

The study tour kicked off with participants assembling at Amsterdam Central Station before embarking on a train and bus journey to Van Hall Larenstein (VHL) University of Applied Sciences in Velp city. A captivating discussion commenced with Emanuella and Petros Maliotis, who shared their experiences of selling their family's olive oil directly to Dutch customers. Participants then engaged in a thought-provoking meeting with a Greek product wholesaler, Albert Heijn, where they explored the challenges and opportunities of promoting extra virgin olive oil in the Netherlands. Petros Maliotis, a lecturer at VHL, provided valuable insights into marketing, entrepreneurship, and food trends in the olive oil sector. After a rejuvenating lunch break, the group reconvened for a train journey back to Amsterdam Central, followed by an optional visit to Oil Shop Amsterdam for an immersive experience of olive oil products. The day concluded with participants enjoying some free time in Amsterdam and a delicious dinner.

Day 2 – Tuesday 11/07/2023:

The second day commenced with a meeting at a designated location before participants were enlightened by Esther Berger and Brian Boucher at Olives and More – Amsterdam. Through a lecture and conversation, they delved into olive oil consumer preferences in the Netherlands, Europe, and around the world. Gkazas Family Importers provided valuable insights into the intricacies of importing extra virgin olive oil to the Netherlands. The group then moved on to Olijfolie istutuut, a platform connecting olive oil professionals and consumers, where Arnold Komans and Wilma van Grinsven Padberg led a discussion on the unique challenges faced by small cooperative farmers and large exporting farmers. A train journey to Utrecht followed, where participants had an engaging meeting with Mr. Hans Geels, the CEO of Dille & Kamille. The group also had the opportunity to visit the Dille & Kamille shop and subsequently met with Vivian Van Wordragen, a certified professional olive oil taster and expert. The day concluded with exploring the city of Utrecht and enjoying dinner.

Day 3 – Wednesday 12/07/2023:

Participants met at a designated location to embark on an insightful session presented by Ruben Panagopoulos, an e-commerce start-upper who shared his fresh approach to the market in the Netherlands, focused on natural products such as herbs, honey and olive oil.

The day continued with a creative discussion moderated by Gregor Christians and a guest marketing and branding expert from Sweden. The participants then traveled to The Hague to meet representatives of the Greek Embassy, where they presented the ARTOLIO platform and engaged in discussions about the olive oil sector in Europe and in the Netherlands.

The day concluded with a special cultural visit around the dunes and the about autochthonous plants in the Netherlands.

Day 4 – Thursday 13/07/2023:

On the final day, participants gathered for a session led by Laura van Hellenberg Hubar - van Rij, focusing on consumer and food trends, distribution channels, and brainstorming growth areas. Creative brainstorming activities ensued, allowing ideas to flow freely among the group. The participants then had the opportunity to present the ARTOLIO platform and receive feedback. A summary and wrap-up discussion concluded the study tour, allowing all participants to share their perspectives. The day ended with a final lunch before participants had free time to explore Amsterdam or make their way back to their respective destinations.

The ARTOLIO Platform Study Tour in the Netherlands proved to be an invaluable experience, providing insights into the Dutch market and creating meaningful connections among industry professionals. The tour successfully introduced the innovative ARTOLIO platform, offering promising opportunities for collaboration and growth within the olive oil industry.