About this Research Topic
The olive supply chain encompasses a wide range of activities from cultivation to consumption, including farming practices, processing, distribution, and sustainability. The olive oil industry is a cornerstone of the economy, environment, and society in Mediterranean countries, which account for approximately 98% of global olive oil production. Olive oil is recognized as a functional food due to its scientifically proven benefits in enhancing physiological functions and reducing the risk of diet-related diseases. The European Commission, with authorization from EFSA, has approved health claims related to the polyphenol content in olive oil. These beneficial compounds are not only present in the olives and oil but also in various by-products such as leaves, branches, shells, seeds, pomace, and mill wastewater. Despite the significant potential of these by-products, their utilization and valorization remain underexplored, presenting an opportunity for innovation in product development, eco-sustainable disposal, and increased business income.
This research topic aims to explore and develop practices that enhance the sustainability and efficiency of the olive oil industry. The primary objectives include investigating the bioactive compounds in olive matrices and by-products, developing processes for their recovery, and promoting environmentally sustainable waste disposal methods. Additionally, the research seeks to add value to olive mill waste for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, improve sustainable pest management, and optimize irrigation and water management practices in olive production.
To gather further insights into the olive supply chain, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Study of bioactive compounds and their biological properties in olive matrices and by-products from the olive oil industry
• Processes for the recovery of bioactive compounds from oil industry by-products and the production of nutrient-rich food and feedstuffs
• Processes that promote environmentally sustainable disposal of waste from the oil industry
• Procedures for value addition to olive mill waste for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes
• Sustainable pest management in olive production, including integrated pest management
• Irrigation and water management in olive production to optimize yield
This research topic aims to explore and develop practices that enhance the sustainability and efficiency of the olive oil industry. The primary objectives include investigating the bioactive compounds in olive matrices and by-products, developing processes for their recovery, and promoting environmentally sustainable waste disposal methods. Additionally, the research seeks to add value to olive mill waste for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, improve sustainable pest management, and optimize irrigation and water management practices in olive production.
To gather further insights into the olive supply chain, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Study of bioactive compounds and their biological properties in olive matrices and by-products from the olive oil industry
• Processes for the recovery of bioactive compounds from oil industry by-products and the production of nutrient-rich food and feedstuffs
• Processes that promote environmentally sustainable disposal of waste from the oil industry
• Procedures for value addition to olive mill waste for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes
• Sustainable pest management in olive production, including integrated pest management
• Irrigation and water management in olive production to optimize yield
Keywords: olive oil, Olea europaea L., biophenols, olive matrices, by-product, carbon footprint
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
