At ESAO, the Olive Oil School of Spain, we have trained over 900 olive oil industry professionals from more than 25 countries around the world. Each of our alumni carries with them the deep knowledge and skills acquired at our institution, applying them to elevate industry standards in their respective regions. Our alumni network is not only growing in numbers but also in influence, with professionals who are leading innovative projects, transforming traditional practices, and embracing more sustainable approaches in the production and commercialization of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).
These professionals act as global ambassadors for EVOO, promoting both the quality of olive oil and its cultural and gastronomic value, opening markets, and educating consumers and producers about the benefits of this product. At ESAO, we don’t just train technical experts; we also cultivate leaders who inspire others to improve their practices and contribute to the sustainable growth of the sector.
On this page, we invite you to learn more about their success stories, explore the diversity of profiles that make up our alumni network, and discover how ESAO continues to establish itself as the international benchmark in professional training for the olive oil sector, staying at the forefront of the industry’s ever-evolving challenges and changes.
Our alumni are making an impact on the olive oil sector in various parts of the world. Here are some success stories that showcase the ability of ESAO-trained professionals to lead innovation in the industry.
Since its founding, ESAO has established itself as the leading institution in olive oil education, standing out not only for the quality of its teaching but also for its holistic approach in training experts capable of facing the current challenges of the olive oil sector. With over a decade of experience, we have developed a unique educational model that combines academic rigor with a strong practical orientation. This methodology enables our students not only to learn the technical principles behind the production and commercialization of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) but also to apply that knowledge in real-world contexts, ensuring they are prepared to excel in an ever-evolving and highly competitive market.
Our courses cater to the needs of both new entrepreneurs and experienced professionals seeking to refine their skills. From olive grove management and quality control in oil production to international marketing and distribution, ESAO offers a broad array of training programs that cover all key areas of the industry. What truly sets us apart is the deep practical immersion we provide. Our students not only learn in classrooms or seminars but also visit olive groves, mills, and laboratories, where they can observe firsthand how the industry’s best practices are implemented.
Additionally, one of the pillars of our success is the international network of contacts that ESAO students can build during their training. This network includes not only their classmates but also experienced professionals, industry experts, and thought leaders who are part of the ESAO faculty. This global connection offers an unparalleled platform for idea exchange, professional networking, and business opportunity creation. Many of our alumni have collaborated to develop international projects, access new markets, and share knowledge in a global community that transcends borders.
Finally, at ESAO, we understand that constant innovation and updating are key to staying at the forefront of such a dynamic sector as olive oil. That’s why our courses are continually updated, incorporating the latest trends, technologies, and sustainable practices. Our students are trained not only to succeed today but to anticipate the challenges and opportunities of the future. This combination of high-quality theoretical training, immersive practical experiences, and an active international network makes us the top choice for those who want to stand out and make a difference in the competitive world of olive oil.
Our ESAO alumni community is a diverse, global network of professionals who have transformed the olive oil sector in their respective countries. These alumni play a crucial role in various areas of the olive oil industry, from specialized consulting and Extra Virgin Olive Oil production to launching their own brands. This network has grown steadily, uniting small and large-scale producers, distributors, researchers, and entrepreneurs who, with their knowledge and passion for olive oil, are impacting the global EVOO market.
Our alumni are spread across all regions of the world, adding value from North America, where the high-quality olive oil market continues to expand, to Europe, the birthplace of olive cultivation, and emerging markets such as Asia and Oceania, where interest in olive oil is growing rapidly in terms of both consumption and production. In each of these places, ESAO alumni are leading innovative initiatives, from implementing sustainable agricultural techniques to creating disruptive business models that are changing the way olive oil is marketed and perceived worldwide.
The variety of profiles in this network reflects the broad approach of our training. Among our alumni, you will find consultants who advise large producers on optimizing their operations, producers who manage both traditional and modern olive groves, and entrepreneurs who have launched exclusive Extra Virgin Olive Oil brands, positioning themselves in high-end markets. This range of roles enables our community not only to improve olive oil production but also to influence the entire value chain, from the field to the consumer.
In this section, we invite you to explore our alumni profiles, organized by region and country, to discover how they are adding value in different parts of the world. From the olive groves of Spain and Italy, through the mills of Greece and Portugal, to the new projects emerging in Australia, the United States, and Japan, each of our alumni is making a mark and contributing to elevating the standards of the global olive oil industry.
This showcases the diversity of roles our ESAO alumni play and their impact in different regions worldwide, as well as highlighting how various profiles, from consultants to entrepreneurs, are contributing to sector development.
Our alumni stand out not only for their deep technical knowledge in olive oil production but also for their ability to develop and lead innovative projects that are transforming the olive oil sector in terms of sustainability, quality, and efficiency. The training they receive at ESAO provides them with a solid foundation, not only in the agronomic and technical aspects of olive cultivation but also in the strategic vision needed to identify and pursue new opportunities in an ever-evolving market.
Over the years, our alumni have successfully applied what they’ve learned to improve production practices, increase olive grove management efficiency, and create high-end products that stand out in international markets. This has allowed many of them to become leaders in the sector, transforming their businesses and those of their clients with a focus on innovation and sustainability. The ability of our alumni to drive change is evident not only in their own projects but also in their influence on the communities and regions where they operate, helping to raise industry standards globally.
Several of our alumni have developed successful careers as consultants, applying the knowledge acquired at ESAO to transform production practices in both large and small olive oil operations. These alumni not only provide advice on the technical aspects of crop management but also guide producers in adopting advanced agricultural techniques, from efficient water and nutrient management to the implementation of precision technologies that allow resources to be optimized in real-time.
For example, some alumni have introduced smart irrigation systems that reduce water consumption without sacrificing crop quality, an innovation that has been essential in areas where climate change has severely impacted water resources. Others have implemented regenerative farming practices that not only improve soil health but also contribute to carbon capture, helping to mitigate the environmental impact of agricultural production.
The entrepreneurial spirit of many of our alumni has led them to launch some of the most promising Extra Virgin Olive Oil brands in the international market. These brands are characterized by a strong focus on quality and sustainability, standing out in high-end markets for their commitment to excellence at every stage of production, from cultivation to commercialization.
Entrepreneurs trained at ESAO understand that, to compete in the most demanding markets, it is crucial not only to produce a superior quality olive oil but also to develop a solid brand strategy that effectively communicates the company’s values and the unique characteristics of their product. In many cases, our alumni have opted for organic and regenerative practices, which have allowed them not only to position their products in the premium segment but also to gain recognition for their commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
In addition to creating new brands, many alumni have brought their products to international markets, leveraging their knowledge in global export and distribution. This has allowed the high-quality extra virgin olive oil produced by our alumni to reach consumers worldwide, increasing EVOO’s visibility and educating new audiences on its benefits and characteristics.
We aim to highlight the key role of ESAO alumni as change agents in the olive oil industry, showcasing their ability to lead innovative projects, advise large producers, and create premium brands distinguished by their quality and sustainability.
Being part of the ESAO alumni network means not only successfully completing high-quality training but also gaining access to a global community of professionals who share your passion for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and excellence. Upon completing any of our courses, students automatically become members of this prestigious network, opening the door to numerous benefits and opportunities beyond the classroom.
Being part of ESAO’s alumni network is a strategic advantage for professionals in the olive oil sector, as it allows them to stay connected with experts worldwide, broadening their horizons both personally and professionally. Our network is designed not only to support alumni in the early stages of their careers but also to provide continuous support, offering tools and opportunities that help them grow and adapt to new challenges and trends in the olive oil market.
In this way, we emphasize the long-term benefits of being part of the ESAO alumni network, highlighting how this community offers continuous support, networking opportunities, additional training, and the possibility of collaborating on international projects. By completing a course, students already become part of this network, which offers them advantages from day one.