Discover ESAO’s International Alumni Network: Success Stories in the Olive Oil Sector

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.

ESAO Alumni Success Stories

ESAO graduates are transforming the olive oil industry worldwide. Some standout examples include:

• Samuel Bernhart (Portugal): Implemented advanced olive grove management techniques at Olival da Risca, enhancing quality and expanding into international markets.
• Anna Hansen (Australia): Founded a sustainable olive oil brand, focusing on regenerative farming to minimize environmental impact.
• Javier Martínez (Spain): Works as a consultant for large-scale producers, helping to optimize cultivation and improve efficiency in EVOO production.

Why ESAO is the International Benchmark in Olive Oil Education

Since its founding, ESAO has developed an educational model that blends academic excellence with practical learning.

• Hands-on experience: Training in olive groves, mills, and tasting sessions.
• Expert faculty: A network of over 10 specialists in olive oil production, management, and tasting.
• Global networking: Connect with industry leaders and fellow professionals.
• Focus on innovation and sustainability: Integration of cutting-edge technologies and responsible practices.

A Global Community of Olive Oil Experts

ESAO alumni are present in Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania, making an impact across various industry roles:

• Consultants: Advise producers on sustainable practices and operational efficiency.
• Producers: Manage high-quality olive groves using advanced cultivation techniques.
• Entrepreneurs: Launch premium EVOO brands that stand out in competitive markets.

Innovative Projects and Consulting by ESAO Alumni

ESAO-trained professionals are driving projects that enhance efficiency, quality, and sustainability in olive oil production.

• Success stories in consulting and brand development.
• International expansion of EVOO brands into premium markets.
• Implementation of new technologies in olive oil production.

How to Become Part of the ESAO Alumni Network

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.

Benefits of the ESAO Alumni Network

1. International Networking Opportunities: The ESAO alumni network is global and diverse, meaning that by being part of it, you gain access to a wide range of olive oil sector professionals in various roles and geographies. From EVOO producers and technical consultants to entrepreneurs and distributors, each network member brings a unique perspective that can enrich others’ experience and knowledge.
   
   These connections not only foster the exchange of ideas and experiences but can also lead to international collaborations on projects, joint ventures, or specialized consultancies. The ability to interact with other olive oil experts internationally enables our alumni to broaden their professional opportunities and gain a more comprehensive view of the sector in different markets.
   
   
2. Continuous Training: ESAO understands that the olive oil sector is constantly evolving, with new technologies, production techniques, and consumer demands emerging each year. For this reason, one of the key benefits for our alumni is access to continuous training. Our alumni can return to ESAO to refine their knowledge, enrolling in specialized or advanced courses with exclusive discounts for alumni. This additional training allows them to stay at the forefront of innovations in the olive oil sector, maintaining their competitiveness in the market.
   
   
3. Discounts on Future Courses: Once you have completed a course at ESAO, you automatically gain access to special discounts on all future training programs. This includes advanced courses, workshops, and specific programs that can help you refine areas of interest such as olive grove management, sustainable production, or EVOO marketing in international markets. These discounts encourage our alumni to keep investing in their professional growth throughout their careers.
   
   
4. Collaborations on International Projects: The ESAO alumni network also offers the opportunity to collaborate on major international projects. Many of our alumni have successfully established strategic alliances with other alumni or sector companies to develop consultancy projects, launch new brands, or expand their presence in international markets. The network’s geographic diversity, with alumni in more than 25 countries, facilitates these collaborations anywhere in the world, providing new perspectives and innovative solutions.
   
   These collaborations allow alumni not only to share resources and knowledge but also to expand their business globally, opening doors to emerging markets and new growth opportunities. ESAO fosters these alliances by offering the perfect environment for alumni to connect and work together on projects with the potential to transform the olive oil sector in different parts of the world.
   
   
5. Support in Early Career Stages: Once students successfully complete their training at ESAO, they are not alone in their first steps as professionals in the sector. The alumni network provides continuous support, helping them establish themselves and find the best opportunities within the olive oil world. From professional advice to the possibility of connecting with more experienced alumni, ESAO ensures that its alumni have the tools they need to grow and advance in their professional careers.
   
   Upon passing ESAO courses, students automatically become part of this elite network, which means that from the moment they complete their training, they can begin to benefit from all these advantages, accelerating their development and maximizing the opportunities that arise. Access to an international network of contacts from the start of their professional careers is a competitive advantage that sets ESAO alumni apart from other sector professionals.
   
   

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.

ESAO provides world-class training while connecting students to a global network of professionals and career opportunities. If you want to be part of this thriving community and advance your career in the olive oil industry, explore our training programs.