Giovanni was born and raised in Caserta. His roots and love for his land pushed him to open a modern entrepreneurial reality at the foot of the Trebulani Mountains, in Pontelatone (Caserta), in which through a path of recovery, protection and enhancement of the most indicative and ancient examples of olive trees , encourages the development of marginal areas, fulfilling the important function of defending biodiversity.

In 2018 he decided to attend the Official Technical Course of the ONAOO School by passing the Selective Tests and obtaining the Certificate of Physiological Suitability.

To deepen his knowledge and refine his technique, in 2019 he decided to undertake a more in-depth training course: he enrolled in the Advanced Course and in 2021, after passing the final exams, he obtained the qualification of ONAOO Professional Taster.

He also participated in some activities organized by the School, such as the ONAOO Meeting in 2020 and some online tasting sessions.

Born in a country where butter is king and mayonnaise is queen, I was pleasantly surprised by the magnificent taste and pleasantness of extra virgin olive oil during my holidays in south east Crete in the 80s.

At the time, I was working in the product engineering sector in a multinational company, but I was ready for a change. I started importing this delicious product and I set myself the challenge of letting the people who love butter in my country taste this gift of nature. As a pilot,

I knew it was possible to fly without an engine, but not without knowledge and skills. I quickly realized that additional support was needed to achieve my goals.

So I knocked on ONAOO’s door. Thanks to the dedication of the teachers, I embarked on a fascinating 3-year learning path. I enjoyed developing my skills and knowledge and thanks to this support I have seen my business grow.

Through retail, restaurant, direct sales and the web shop, I distribute two superb brands of extra-virgin olive oil, one Greek and one Spanish. Olijfwinkel.be is my starting point, alongside my company Techtel.be

Sandro Marques is a lecturer on Food Studies and author of several books, including “The Guide to Brazilian Olive Oil”, in its third edition.

As an olive oil taster and writer, Sandro helps olive oil producers develop their storytelling and brand narrative.

He worked as an apprentice at several starred restaurants in Brazil and since 2010 has been a judge at the most important Brazilian food and culinary awards. In 2018 his book “Desserts for Princesses” was chosen by the Brazilian Federal Education Bureau to be distributed nationwide because of its educational content.

He also wrote “What do the astronauts eat?”, a children’s book celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Mission. Sandro Marques is an international speaker and a judge at several olive oil competitions. In 2016 he became Member of ONAOO where he also started his educational path.

In 2020 he concluded his studies by obtaining the Qualification of ONAOO Professional Taster.

He was born in Genoa in 1966. In 1992, he founded the company “Lorenzo Costa fu Eugenio 1860”, of which he still is the administrator.

The company deals with door-to-door sales of extra-virgin olive oil and other food products.

In 1996, he was granted the certificate of Professional ONAA taster. Since 1998, he has been a member of the official Panel Test of the Chamber of Commerce of Genoa. Since 2006, he has been a member of ONAOO’s Board of Directors and he has also participated in competitions organized by ONAOO, as “IL DEGUSTATORE DELL’ANNO” (TASTER OF THE YEAR) and WORLDWIDE OLIVE OIL TASTERS’ CHALLENGE. From 2016, he has been a member of a laboratory where the real fresh Genoa’s pesto sauce is produced.

He has participated and still participates as a judge in various olive oil competitions, and in the world championship of pesto sauce prepared with the mortar in Genoa.

In addition, occasionally, he deals with the dissemination of extra-virgin olive oil tasting for restaurateurs or simple enthusiasts.